Operative Treatment for Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures with Unstable Intraarticular Distal Radius Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of the operative treatment for the unstable distal radius fractures with displaced ulnar styloid process fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2002 to 2005, 17 patients with unstable distal radius fractures with displaced ulnar styloid process fractures were treated operatively, using external fixation or internal fixation for distal radius and open reduction with tension band wiring for ulnar styloid process fractures. We evaluated postoperative outcomes with Mayo wrist score, range of motion, ulnar side wrist pain, wrist stress test, grip strength as well as radiological evaluation. RESULTS: All ulnar styloid process fractures were completely united, and according to Mayo wrist score, 7 cases(41%) were excellent, 8 cases(47%) were good. 14 cases(82%) had no ulnar wrist pain and 15 cases(88%) had grip strength more than 50% when compared with the normal side. Posterior instability of ulnar head occurred at 1 case. CONCLUSION: We got acceptable clinical and radiological results of operative treatment of ulnar styloid process fractures and concluded that ulnar styloid process fractures combined with distal radius fractures should be carefully evaluated and treated operatively according to their fracture types.