Ulnar styloid process nonunion and outcome in patients with a distal radius fracture: A meta-analysis of comparative clinical trials

PurposeThere is no consensus on the relation between ulnar styloid process nonunion and outcome in patients with distal radius fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze whether patient-reported outcome is influenced by the nonunion of the accompanying ulnar styloid fracture in distal radius fracture patients.MethodsA meta-analysis of published studies comparing outcomes after distal radius fractures with a united versus a non-united ulnar styloid process was performed. In addition, if provided by the authors, the raw data of these studies were pooled and analysed as one study. The outcome measures of the analyses included patient-reported outcome, functional outcome, grip-strength, pain, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability.ResultsData from six comparative studies were included, concerning 365 patients with a distal radius fracture. One hundred and thirty-five patients with an ulnar styloid union were compared with 230 patients with a nonunion of the ulnar styloid. No significant differences were found between groups regarding any outcome measure.ConclusionBased on this meta-analysis, there is no relation between the nonunion of the ulnar styloid process and function in patients with a distal radius fracture.     

Should ulnar styloid be fixed following fixation of a distal radius fracture?,

IntroductionFracture of the base of the ulnar styloid has shown to have higher incidence of TFCC tears and DRUJ instability leading to nonunion and impaired function. Poorer functional outcomes of the distal radius fracture have been attributed to the untreated associated ulnar styloid fractures while some studies have shown no difference. Thus, the treatment remains controversial. However, it has been shown that fractures at the base of the ulnar styloid have a higher incidence of tears in the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and instability in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), which can lead to nonunion and impaired function. Despite this, there are currently no studies comparing the outcomes of surgically and conservatively treated patients.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted to analyze the outcomes of intra-articular distal radius fractures associated with base of ulnar fracture treated with distal radius LCP fixation. The study included 14 patients who were treated surgically and 49 patients who were treated conservatively, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Radiological parameters such as union and amount of displacement, VAS score for ulnar-sided wrist pain, functional assessment using the modified Mayo score and the quick DASH questionnaire and complications were analyzed.ResultsAt the final follow-up, the mean scores for pain (VAS), functional outcomes (modified Mayo score), disability (QuickDASH score), range of motion, and non-union rate were found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) between the surgically treated and conservatively treated groups. However, patients with non-union had statistically significant higher scores for pain (VAS), greater post-operative displacement of the styloid, poorer functional outcomes, and higher disability (p < 0.05).ConclusionWhile there was no significant difference in ulnar-sided wrist pain and functional outcomes between the surgically treated and conservatively treated groups, the conservatively treated cases had a higher risk of non-union, which can negatively impact functional outcomes. The amount of pre-operative displacement was found to be a key factor in predicting non-union and can be used as a guide for determining the management of this type of fracture.     

Does concomitant ulnar styloid fracture and distal radius fracture portend poorer outcomes? A meta-analysis of comparative studies

PurposeAn ulnar styloid fracture often occur in association with a distal radial fracture. Whether an ulnar styloid fracture interfere with the results of a distal radial fracture still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of an accompanying ulnar styloid fracture on clinical outcomes in patients with distal radial fractures.MethodsA meta-analysis of published studies comparing outcomes of distal radial fractures with an ulnar styloid fracture versus isolated distal radial fractures was performed. Outcomes of function results, radiological evaluation, and patient reported scores were analyzed.ResultsTen studies including 1403 distal radius fractures were identified fitting inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in wrist motion, grip strength, radial height, volar angle, ulnar variance, pain score, PRWE score, or SF-36 score for distal radial fractures associated with an ulnar styloid fracture versus isolated distal radial fractures. In final follow up, patients with associated an ulnar styloid fracture had lower radial inclination and higher DASH scores. But there was no significant clinical difference. In addition, we found there was no significant difference of outcomes between union and non-union ulnar styloid fractures.ConclusionsBased on this meta-analysis, we suggest that an associated ulnar styloid fracture does not affect the outcomes of a distal radial fracture and clinicians should be caution in electing operative treatment for patients with an ulnar styloid fracture.     

Comparison of united and nonunited fractures of the ulnar styloid following volar-plate fixation of distal radius fractures

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether associated nonunion of ulnar styloid fracture following plate-and-screw fixation of a distal radius fracture (DRF) has any effect on wrist functional outcomes, ulnar-sided wrist pain or distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability.

Materials and methods

A total of 91 consecutive patients with a DRF and an accompanying ulnar styloid fracture treated by open reduction and volar locking plate fixation were included in this study. In the first part of the analysis, the 91 study subjects were subdivided according to the presence or not of ulnar styloid union (20 and 71, respectively) by radiography at final follow-up (average 23 months). These two cohorts were compared with respect to wrist functions at 3 months postoperatively and the final follow-up visit, and ulnar-sided wrist pain and DRUJ instability at the final follow-up visit and ulnar styloid length as determined radiographically at final follow-up. In the second part of the analysis, 49 of the 91 study subjects with an ulnar styloid base fracture were subdivided according to the presence or not of ulnar styloid base fracture union (12 and 37, respectively) at final follow-up by radiography. These two groups were also compared with respect to the above-mentioned parameters.

Results

Ulnar styloid fractures united in 20 (22%) of the 91 patients at final follow-up visit (average 23 months). No significant differences were found at any time during follow-up between patients who achieved or did not achieve ulnar styloid fracture union or ulnar styloid base fracture union.

Conclusion

Ulnar styloid nonunion does not appear to affect wrist functional outcomes, ulnar-sided wrist pain or DRUJ stability, at least when a DRF is treated by open reduction and volar plate fixation.     

尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折手术疗效及腕关节功能的影响

目的观察尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折手术疗效及腕关节功能的影响。方法对64例不稳定桡骨远端骨折进行回顾性分析,选择AO分型为A型和B型的不稳定桡骨远端骨折患者,均行切开复位T型桡骨远端锁定钢板内固定治疗,尺骨茎突骨折未作特殊处理,将所有资料按照未合并尺骨茎突骨折组、尺骨茎突骨折(体部骨折)Ⅰ型组及尺骨茎突骨折(基底部骨折)Ⅱ型组分组进行整理分析,记录病例AO分型及术前、术后6个月和术后1年的X线片测量结果 ,按照Bunger提出的解剖学评分(掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨茎突高度)进行解剖学评估,同时进行GartlandWerly评分。结果随访时间为7~12个月,平均11个月,64例桡骨远端骨折均愈合。未合并尺骨茎突骨折组、尺骨茎突骨折Ⅰ型组及Ⅱ型组术前、术后6个月及术后1年解剖学评分差异无统计学意义,未合并尺骨茎突骨折组与尺骨茎突骨折Ⅰ型组Gartlant-Werley评分、优良率差异无统计学意义。但未合并尺骨茎突骨折组与尺骨茎突骨折Ⅱ型Gartlant-Werley评分、优良率差异有统计学意义,尺骨茎突骨折Ⅰ型组与Ⅱ型组相比,Gartlant-Werley评分、优良率差异有统计学意义。结论尺骨茎突骨折与否及分型对桡骨远端骨折术后解剖学评分无影响,尺骨茎突体部骨折对腕关节功能无影响,但尺骨茎突基底部骨折对腕关节功能有一定影响,值得进一步研究。     

Ulnar styloid fracture in children: a retrospective study of 46 cases

Ulnar styloid fractures are frequently ignored in the treatment of wrist fractures in children. Forty-six untreated ulnar styloid fractures (40 tip and six base fractures) associated with radial injuries (45 patients) were retrospectively analysed. At the removal of the cast, we recorded that 80% had a nonunion of the styloid fracture. Thirty-five patients were reviewed at an average of 19 months after treatment. Thirty tip fractures and five base avulsions were found. We recorded 28 patients with a good clinical result despite 21 cases of nonunion, whereas seven patients (all nonunions) had a fair result. All the fair results suffered from intermittent pain during sports and movement, radioulnar joint instability and tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. It can be concluded that both distal radius and ulnar styloid fractures should be taken into account in the initial treatment and pain associated with a nonunion of the ulnar styloid in a child may be due to a tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.     

Ulnar Styloid Fracture in Distal Radius Fractures Managed with Volar Locking Plates: To Fix or Not?

Distal radius fracture is usually associated with ulnar styloid fracture. Whether to fix the ulnar styloid or not remains a surgical dilemma as some surgeons believe that their repair is imperative while others feel that they should be managed conservatively. This prospective study involved 47 patients with unilateral fracture of the distal radius who met the inclusion criterion and underwent open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates; 28 patients (12 males and females = 16) had an associated ulnar styloid fracture (Group A) while 19 (7 males; 12 females) did not have any ulnar styloid fracture (Group B). At the time of final evaluation both the groups were compared clinically by measuring the grip strength and range of motion around the wrist and the radiologically by measuring radial angle, radial length, volar angle and ulnar variance. Subjective assessment was done using DASH score and final assessment using Demerit point system of Saito. In Group A, average time for consolidation was 9.4 weeks, 17 patients developed non-union of the ulnar styloid, average DASH scores was 4.4 and according to Demerit point system of Saito, there were 78.5 % excellent, 17.9 % good and 3.6 % fair results; there were 2 cases of loss of reduction out of which one had persistent ulnar sided wrist pain. In Group B the average time for consolidation was 10.2 weeks, average DASH score was 3.8.and Demerit point system of Saito yielded 78.9 % excellent, 15.8 % good and 5.3 % fair results. There was one case of loss of reduction and one case of carpal tunnel syndrome which was managed conservatively. Both groups attained excellent range of motion, grip strength and well maintained the post operative radiological parameters. The comparison of clinico-radiological parameters in both groups was found to be statistically insignificant. To conclude, ulnar styloid fracture or its non union does not affect the outcome of an adequately fixed distal end radius fracture. We urge caution in electing operative treatment of non-united fracture of the ulnar styloid until better scientific report for treatment of pain associated with these fracture is available.     

Ulnar styloid fractures associated with distal radius fractures: incidence and implications for distal radioulnar joint instability

Ulnar-sided injuries of the wrist have received more attention recently for their potential negative impact on the outcome of distal radius fractures. Radiographs and medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 166 distal radius fractures treated during a 1-year interval. Distal radius fractures were classified according to the AO system, and accompanying ulnar styloid fractures were evaluated for both size and displacement. Each distal radius fracture was also evaluated for radiographic and clinical evidence of distal radioulnar joint instability. The distribution of ulnar styloid fractures was not random; greater than one third involved the base. All distal radius fractures complicated by distal radioulnar joint instability were accompanied by an ulnar styloid fracture. A fracture at the ulnar styloid's base and significant displacement of an ulnar styloid fracture were found to increase the risk of distal radioulnar joint instability.     

Non-union of the ulnar styloid process in children is common but long-term morbidity is rare: a population-based study with mean 11 years (9–15) follow-up

Background and purpose — Fracture of the ulnar styloid process (USP) is common in children in connection with distal radius fracture. The long-term morbidity of USP non-union following a childhood distal radius fracture is unclear. We evaluated long-term clinical and radiographic findings of USP non-union.

Patients and methods — All 208 children (< 16 years) who had suffered from distal radius fracture with or without a diagnosed concomitant ulnar fracture during 1992–1999 in the study institution were invited to follow-up at mean of 11 years (9–15) after the injury. Radiographs of both wrists of all 139 participants (67%) were taken; 22 patients showed USP non-union and they made up the study population. Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, decreased range of motion (ROM), and weakened grip strength as compared with the uninjured side were the main functional outcomes. Elements of the “Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand” questionnaire were used for subjective symptoms.

Results — The rate of USP non-union following childhood distal forearm fracture was 16% (22/139) and only 9 of the ulnar styloid fractures were visible in the radiographs primarily. At follow-up wrist flexion–extension ROM and ulnar and radial deviation ranges did not differ between the injured and uninjured sides. Grip strengths were similar. 6 patients reported pain during exercise. 7 had ulna minus (mean 2.3?mm) but none showed degenerative radiographic findings.

Interpretation — The long-term clinical results of USP non-union following a childhood wrist fracture were good. However, one-third of the patients with USP non-union had ulnar shortening, which may predispose them to degenerative processes later in life.     

Distal radius fractures: a comparison of tension band wiring versus ulnar outrigger external fixation for the management of distal radioulnar instability

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare the results of immobilization of the forearm in supination with the results of tension band fixation of the ulnar styloid in 35 patients with distal radius fractures, fracture of the base of the ulnar styloid, and distal radioulnar joint instability treated with external fixation. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with fractures of the distal radius, fracture of the base of the ulnar styloid, and unstable distal radioulnar joint had external fixation with adjunctive percutaneous pins and allograft bone to reduce and stabilize the distal radius fracture anatomically. Only those patients with an associated ulnar styloid base fracture displaced over 2 mm with gross distal radioulnar joint instability relative to the contralateral wrist were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of patients in whom the ulnar styloid base fracture was treated with conventional tension band wiring techniques. Group 2 patients were treated with a supplemental outrigger from the external fixator to the ulna and locked in 60 degrees of forearm supination. Groups 1 and 2 had an average follow-up period of 40 and 36 months, respectively. RESULTS: Group 2 had significantly better supination than group 1. In terms of functional outcome it was found that there was no significant difference for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and the Gartland and Werley scores between the 2 treatment groups. There was a lower rate of complications and fewer secondary procedures were required in group 2. The incidence of distal ulna resection was 4 of the 35 patients (2 patients in each group). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that patients in whom the ulnar styloid can be reduced and maintained in supination can be treated effectively with fixed supination outrigger external fixation. This method resulted in a statistically significant improvement in supination and a lower rate of distal radioulnar joint complications, and it required fewer secondary procedures.     

尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折后腕关节功能的影响

目的通过比较伴或不伴尺骨茎突骨折的桡骨远端骨折患者临床资料,探讨尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折后腕关节功能的影响。方法回顾分析2005年2月-2010年5月收治的182例伴或不伴尺骨茎突骨折的桡骨远端骨折患者临床资料,其中75例伴尺骨茎突骨折(A组),107例不伴尺骨茎突骨折(B组)。两组患者性别、年龄、病程、骨折分型等一般资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。A组采用闭合复位小夹板或石膏固定治疗42例,切开复位钢板内固定33例;B组分别为63例及44例。A组尺骨茎突骨折均未作处理。结果两组患者术后均获随访,其中A组平均随访时间为21个月,B组为20个月。切开复位内固定患者术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。A组4例(5.3%)、B组6例(5.6%)患者出现腕关节尺侧疼痛,发生率比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.063,P=0.802)。X线片示两组桡骨远端骨折均愈合,A组愈合时间为(10.9±2.7)周,B组为(11.6±2.3)周,两组差异无统计学意义(t=1.880,P=0.062)。桡骨远端骨折愈合时两组掌倾角、尺偏角及桡骨长度比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。末次随访时两组腕关节屈伸、桡尺偏、旋前旋后活动度及手握、捏力均相似(P>0.05)。Gartland-Werley腕关节评分:A组优24例,良43例,可5例,差3例,优良率89.3%;B组优35例,良57例,可10例,差5例,优良率86.0%;两组差异无统计学意义(Z=—0.203,P=0.839)。A组闭合复位外固定及切开复位内固定患者以上评价指标比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折后腕关节功能无明显影响;对于伴尺骨茎突骨折的桡骨远端骨折,桡骨远端骨折解剖复位对腕关节功能的恢复具有重要意义。     

尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折愈合及腕关节功能的影响

背景：尺骨茎突骨折是桡骨远端骨折最常见的合并损伤,一直未引起临床医师的足够重视,骨折不愈合的发生率很高。目的：观察尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折愈合及腕关节功能的影响。方法：选择2011年1月至2012年12月急诊行手法整复及石膏固定治疗的桡骨远端骨折患者60例,均为AO分型A型,按照是否合并尺骨茎突骨折分为观察组和对照组,观察组30例,均合并尺骨茎突骨折;对照组30例,均不合并尺骨茎突骨折。治疗前两组的掌屈、背伸、桡偏、尺偏、旋前和旋后功能差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。比较两组治疗后6个月解剖学评分和功能评分的优良率,以及治疗前和治疗后6个月的腕关节功能。结果：观察组治疗后6个月的解剖学评分和功能评分优良率分别为66.67%和70.00%,对照组为90.00%和93.33%,对照组的优良率明显高于观察组（P〈0.05）。两组治疗后6个月的掌屈、背伸、桡偏、尺偏、旋前和旋后功能均较治疗前明显提高（P〈0.01）,对照组较观察组提高更为明显（P〈0.01）。结论：尺骨茎突骨折对桡骨远端骨折的预后有一定影响,尤其对腕关节功能恢复影响较大,值得进一步研究。     

Management of the distal radioulnar joint and ulnar styloid fracture

Fractures of the distal radius and ulnar styloid have the potential to disturb the normal function of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), resulting in loss of motion, pain, arthritis, or instability. The DRUJ can be adversely affected by several mechanisms, including intra-articular injury with step-off, shortening, and angulation of an extra-articular fracture; injury to the radioulnar ligaments; ulnar styloid avulsion fracture; and injury of secondary soft tissue stabilizers. This article discusses the management of the DRUJ and ulnar styloid fracture in the presence of a distal radius fracture.     

Ulnar wrist pain after Colles' fracture: 109 fractures followed for 4 years

109 patients with unilateral Colles' fracture, treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization, were re-examined after 4 (1-9) years. At follow-up, 40 patients had persistent ulnar wrist pain. The most important factor for predicting ulnar pain was final dorsal angulation of the radius. Initial and final radial shortening, fracture of the distal radioulnar joint, ulnar styloid fracture, or instability of the distal ulna were not correlated to ulnar wrist pain. We suggest that ulnar wrist pain following Colles' fracture is caused by incongruity of the distal radioulnar joint.     

两种内固定治疗桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突基底部骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较采用桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板+尺骨茎突单皮质骨螺钉固定和单纯桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突基底部骨折的疗效.方法 将73例桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突基底部骨折患者按治疗方法的不同分为观察组(采用桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板+尺骨茎突单皮质骨螺钉固定治疗,38例)和对照组(采用单纯桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板治疗,35...     

尺骨茎突骨折愈合对桡骨远端骨折术后关节功能影响

目的观察尺骨茎突骨折愈合情况短期内对桡骨远端骨折内固定术后腕关节功能的影响。 方法回顾性分析2012年6月至2013年6月于聊城市中医医院收治的136例单侧不稳定的桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突骨折患者的临床资料,所有患者均采用锁定钢板固定桡骨骨折,根据尺骨茎突骨折愈合情况将患者分为尺骨茎突骨折愈合组(愈合组,n＝43)和尺骨茎突骨折未愈合组(未愈合组,n＝93)。根据术后X线正侧位片测量并记录患者桡骨高度(桡骨茎突与尺骨茎突之差)、掌倾角、尺偏角,评价桡骨骨折复位、愈合情况和尺骨茎突愈合情况,记录腕关节尺侧旋转疼痛的患者数量。末次随访时采用Gartlant-Werley评分和臂肩手功能障碍评分(DASH)评分评估腕关节功能,测定并记录腕关节的活动范围及握力。性别、骨折类型等计数资料比较采用卡方检验,时间、DASH评分等计量资料比较采用t检验。 结果两组患者在年龄、性别、受伤至手术时间、骨折内固定研究学会(AO)骨折分型、受伤侧别和致伤原因方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。尺骨茎突骨折愈合组尺侧旋转疼痛有18例(41.9%),而未愈合组有40例(43.0%),差异无统计学意义(χ²＝1.021,P>0.05)。两组患者的住院时间、桡骨骨折愈合时间、掌倾角、尺偏角和桡骨高度方面比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。两组患者背伸、掌曲、桡偏、尺偏、握力和DASH评分、Gartlant-Werley评分和优良率方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论尺骨茎突骨折愈合情况在短期内对桡骨远端骨折内固定术后腕关节功能的康复无明显影响。     

腕关节镜下治疗尺骨茎突骨折

目的 探讨腕关节镜监视下治疗尺骨茎突骨折的方法,以获得更好的治疗效果.方法 对15例尺骨茎突骨折的患者,在C臂透视机及腕关节镜监视下先将合并的桡骨远端骨折进行复位,经皮穿针内固定或切开复位钢板内固定,然后在腕关节镜下检查三角纤维软骨复合体(triangular fibrocartilage complex,TFCC)是否损伤,并作修整、清理等相应的处理,在关节镜监视下将尺骨茎突骨折复位,经皮作钢丝张力带内固定.结果 11例合并有TFCC损伤,经平均15.4个月的临床随访,X线片检查显示尺骨茎突骨折全部骨性愈合,骨性愈合时间平均5.2个月.按照Green-O'Brien功能评定方法进行腕关节功能评定,优良率为93.3%,无腕关节尺侧疼痛及腕关节不稳等并发症发生.结论 腕关节镜下治疗尺骨茎突骨折既可以对骨折进行有效的复位及固定,有利于骨折的愈合;又可以了解腕关节内TFCC等结构的损伤程度,便于早期处理,以免遗留慢性腕痛或腕关节不稳定.     

手法间接复位掌侧锁定板固定治疗桡骨远端C3型骨折

目的 ：探讨手法间接复位后AO 2.4 mm桡骨远端锁定板联合经皮穿针固定治疗C3型（AO/OTA分型）桡骨远端骨折的临床疗效及操作技巧。方法：自2009年5月至2012年3月采用手法间接复位AO 2.4 mm桡骨远端掌侧锁定板联合经皮穿针固定治疗桡骨远端骨折AO/OTA分型C3型患者19例21腕（双侧2例）。年龄31~66岁,平均（45.3±17.4）岁;并发尺骨茎突骨折14腕,下尺桡关节不稳6腕;均为闭合性骨折;发病时间4.5~9 d,平均（6.7±3.5）d。采用Henry切口显露骨折部位,保留关节囊、韧带连续性,手法间接复位,C形臂X线透视关节面复位情况,仍存在塌陷者予以撬拨复位后桡骨远端掌侧锁定板固定。下尺桡关节发现不稳定和并发尺骨茎突骨折者均予前臂旋后位石膏托固定6周。结果：19例（21腕）获得随访,时间7~17个月,平均10.5个月。X线示患者桡骨远端骨折均达到骨性愈合,尺骨茎突骨折未愈合3例,下尺桡关节不稳0例,1例出现背侧伸肌腱激惹,内固定取出后激惹消除。术后随访观测患者掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨茎突高度、关节面和下尺桡关节情况,按照Batra和Gupta评分标准行影像学评定：70分以下3腕,70~79分5腕,80分以上13腕。同时对患者进行主观和客观疗效评定,观测残留畸形和腕关节活动度、并发症情况等,根据Sarmiento改良的Gartland-Werley评分系统评定术后疗效：优17腕,良3腕,可1腕。结论：AO/OTA分型C3型桡骨远端骨折手法间接复位可获得良好复位效果,应用锁定板联合穿针可为其提供内固定架支撑式固定以满足早期功能锻炼要求,患腕功能预后良好。     

An analysis of causes and treatment outcome of chronic wrist pain after distal radial fractures

Healed distal radial fractures are frequently complicated by chronic wrist pain which is multifactorial and can be debilitating. An accurate delineation of the pathoanatomy is the key for successful treatment. This study reviewed 22 patients who had surgical treatment between 1997 and 2001 for chronic wrist pain after distal radial fracture. Four patterns of pathoanatomy were identified: (1) ulnar impaction caused by radial malunion and shortening; (2) ulnar styloid non-union; (3) triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears with or without distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability; and (4) intercarpal ligament injuries and chondral lesions. Surgical treatment directed towards identified abnormalities gave satisfactory outcome. At six months after surgery the mean functional score improved 36%, mean pain score decreased 50%, mean grip strength improved 25%, and 64% of patients returned to work.     

How many clinic visits does it take to treat distal radial fractures?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in alignment during the course of treatment for extra-articular distal radius fracture and the relationship of initial and intermediate radiographs, with the final radiograph taken at fracture union. A cohort of 96 consecutive patients who were conservatively managed for extra-articular distal radius fracture in an 18-month period was undertaken. The radiographs analysed were taken at prereduction, postreduction, a week later and at fracture union. The radiological parameters analysed were radial tilt, radial length, radial inclination, dorsal comminution and ulnar styloid fracture. There was a significant change in radiographic alignment between initial and immediate postreduction radiographs, and between postreduction 1 week later radiographs (p < 0.05), but the number of patients in the 1 week later and fracture union groups remained similar (p > 0.05). All patients with poor radiological outcome had ulnar styloid fractures. This was also associated with dorsal comminution in 86% of patients. Patients with satisfactory radiological outcome had ulnar styloid fracture and comminution in 34% and 43% of patients respectively. The final radiological outcome was not found to be influenced by initial unsatisfactory alignment of radial tilt, radial length and radial inclination individually or in combination. We suggest that two clinic visits after initial reduction of the fracture should be sufficient to manage such injuries; the first visit 1 week after manipulation to detect unacceptable displacement and if found satisfactory, the last visit at fracture union for final review, advice and referral to physiotherapy.