Ulnar Styloid Fracture

• synonyms:
• ICD-9 =

Anatomy

• Large ulnar styloid fractures include at least part fo the origin of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and may lead to radioulnar instability.

Clinical Evaluation

Diagnositc Tests

Classification / Treatment

• Nondisplaced
• Displaced: involves >50% of the length of the styloid or displaced >2mm associated with DRUJ instability. (May MM, J Hand Surg 2002;27Am:965) Treatment = ORIF vs CRPP (k-wire, tension band, intraosseous suture)
• Nonunion: Type-1 (DRUJ stable) =fracture through the tip of the styloid, treated with excision if symptomatic. Type-2(DRUJ unstable) = fracture through the base of the styloid, treated with ORIF and TFCC repair.( Hauck RM J Hand Surg 1996;21Am:418)
• With associated distal radius fracture: unrepaired ulnar styloid fracture, even if displaced >2mm, does not influence function or outcome after ORIF of distal radius fractures (Souer JS, JBJS 2009;91A:830)

Follow-up Care

Associated Injuries

• DRUJ dislocation
• Distal radius fracture

Differential Diagnosis

Complications

Review References