The Influence of Non-union of the Ulnar Styloid on Pain, Wrist Function and Instability after Distal Radius Fracture

The influence of non-union on the outcome of distal radius fractures is debated. We tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference in pain, wrist function, or instability between patients with union or non-union of an ulnar styloid base fracture after operative treatment of a fracture of the distal radius. Eighteen adults with an ulnar styloid base non-union were compared to 16 patients with union of an ulnar styloid base fracture with a mean post-operative follow-up of 30 months. None of the patients had distal radioulnar joint instability, there were no significant differences in pain, complications, or function, and patients with nonunion had significantly greater grip strength. Ulnar styloid nonunion is not associated with pain, instability, or diminished function after fracture of the distal radius.     

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 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.     

Editorial Commentary: In Cases of Concurrent Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears and Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture Nonunions,We May Neither Need to Excise nor Repair the Ulnar Styloid Fracture Nonunion Fragment

The ulnar-sided wrist contains multiple potential pain generators that may present in isolation. Occasionally, however, wrist trauma results in multiple concurrent and overlapping injuries that make diagnosis and treatment of these conditions challenging. Deep/foveal tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) may occur in the setting of nonunited ulnar styloid process fractures. Treatment of these injuries has historically included open TFCC repair with fixation or excision of the ulnar styloid fracture nonunion fragment; however, recent literature suggests that addressing the ulnar styloid nonunion fragment may not be as important as we think. Recent research shows that we may not need to excise or repair the ulnar styloid fracture nonunion fragment, which in turn may help preserve the complex ligamentous architecture that stabilizes the ulnar-sided wrist. One thing we know for sure is that foveal tears of the deep fibers of the TFCC, with or without ulnar styloid fracture (Palmer 1B, Atzei class 2 or 3), can produce distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and wrist dysfunction and should be addressed sooner rather than later to prevent long-term consequences, including DRUJ osteoarthritis. Whether you choose to approach the problem arthroscopically or open, the foveal TFCC tear should be repaired to prevent long-term sequalae.     

Long-standing nonunion of fractures of the lateral humeral condyle

BACKGROUND: Patients with nonunion of a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle often have pain, instability, or progressive cubitus valgus deformity with tardy ulnar nerve palsy. However, some patients have minimal or no symptoms or disabilities. We evaluated patients with long-standing established nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle to correlate the clinical long-term outcome of this condition with the original fracture type. METHODS: Nineteen elbows in eighteen patients who were at least twenty years of age were evaluated. Fourteen patients were male, and four were female. The average age at presentation was 42.5 years. The average interval from the injury to the presentation of the symptoms of the nonunion was thirty-seven years. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the size of the fragment and the location of the fracture line. Group 1 included nine elbows with nonunion resulting from a Milch Type-I injury, and Group 2 included ten elbows with a nonunion resulting from a Milch Type-II injury. Evaluations were performed with use of radiographic examination, clinical assessment, and calculation of the Broberg and Morrey score. RESULTS: Symptoms were seen more frequently in Group 1 than in Group 2. The range of flexion in Group 1 (range, 60 degrees to 145 degrees; average, 99 degrees) was more restricted than that in Group 2 (range, 100 degrees to 150 degrees; average, 129 degrees) (p = 0.0078). The functional score in Group 2 was significantly higher than that in Group 1 (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Disabling symptoms only rarely developed in Group-2 patients. Occasionally, however, these patients do present with clinically detectable dysfunction of the ulnar nerve. In contrast, pain, instability, and loss of range of motion as well as ulnar nerve dysfunction developed in Group 1. For this reason we think that a nonunion of a Milch Type-I fracture should be treated as soon as possible after injury, preferably before the patient reaches skeletal maturity.     

Malunion of a Complex Fracture of the Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ)

Background: Generating an artificial spontaneous Sauvé-Kapandji situation after malunion of the distal radioulnar joint (DRJU) enables a patient to move forearm and wrist without pain.Case Study: A patient with an extensive combined fracture of the distal radius and ulna accompanied by a subluxation of the ulnar head and an avulsion fracture of the base of the ulnar styloid was treated with external fixator. During follow-up, an artificial fracture was observed at a former pin site. This led to nonunion approximately 3 cm proximal to the ulnar head. Comparable to a spontaneously generated Sauvé-Kapandji situation, the development of this nonunion resulted in a pain-ree situation allowing free movement of forearm and wrist. The extend of motion was 70°/0°80° pronation/supination.     

Comparison of ulnar shortening osteotomy and the wafer resection procedure as treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome

A retrospective review was performed that compared the results of 2 different surgical treatments for ulnar impaction syndrome in 22 patients over a 6-year period. Ulnar shortening osteotomy and wafer distal ulna resection (wafer resection procedure) were each performed in 11 patients based on the preference of 3 individual hand surgeons. All patients presented with ulnar wrist pain and positive ulnar variance on either neutral rotation or pronated-grip x-rays and each failed conservative management. At a minimum follow-up time of 18 months, 9 patients had good to excellent results following ulnar shortening osteotomy compared with 8 following the wafer resection procedure. This difference was not statistically significant. All patients regained functional wrist motion and 21 of the 22 patients had satisfactory pain relief. There was 1 poor result in the wafer group that required revision to complete resection of the distal ulna. Five secondary procedures were required in the osteotomy group to remove painful hardware and union was delayed in 2 patients. Although ulnar shortening osteotomy provides effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome, the wafer resection procedure provides favorable pain relief and restoration of function but without the potential for nonunion or hardware removal. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:55-60.     

Nonunion of a pediatric lateral condyle fracture without ulnar nerve palsy: sixty-year follow-up.

Displaced lateral condyle fractures in the pediatric population are usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Significant complications associated with the nonoperative management include nonunion, malunion, deformity, and tardy ulnar nerve palsy. However, few cases of nonunion of the lateral condyle and tardy ulnar nerve palsy with long-term follow-up have been reported. We present a radiographically documented case of a pediatric lateral condyle fracture and subsequent nonunion with significant cubitus valgus deformity without ulnar nerve palsy sixty years following injury.     

Excision of the hook of the hamate: a retrospective survey and review of the literature

Fractures of the hook of the hamate frequently fail to unite. In symptomatic nonunion, surgical excision of the hook has provided relief of pain in the few reported cases. In a survey of surgeons, 133 cases of excision of the hook to treat nonunion were reviewed retrospectively. The complication rate associated with excision is three percent. These complications, such as injury to the ulnar nerve or the superficial palmar arch and median nerve paresthesias secondary to retraction are due more to the surgical exposure than the actual excision.     

Ulnar-styloid nonunion and partial rupture of extensor carpi ulnaris tendon: two case reports and review of the literature

Two unusual cases of symptomatic partial rupture of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon associated with ulnar-styloid nonunion are described. Intraoperative findings suggested that the jagged surface of the distal ulna was the cause of flaying. In one case, debridement of the frayed extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and fixation of the ulnar styloid were effective for the relief of symptoms. But after the same procedure in another case, osteosynthesis of the ulnar-styloid could not be attained and tenodesis of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon to the ulnar head was needed. Partial rupture of the ECU tendon should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of a patient with ulnar wrist pain after 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.     

The management of complex distal humerus nonunion in the elderly by elbow capsulectomy, triple plating, and ulnar nerve neurolysis

Six elderly patients (average age, 68 years) were treated for a complex, low supracondylar nonunion of the humerus. Each nonunion had in common an associated ulnar neuropathy, extensive periarticular fibrosis, a low synovial nonunion, and osteopenic bone. The surgical approach included ulnar nerve neurolysis, complete elbow capsulectomy, three strategically placed plates, and autogenous iliac crest bone graft. All the nonunions healed and all six patients regained ulnar nerve function. The average arc of elbow motion was 102°, with an average flexion of 122° and a flexion contracture of 19°. Radiographic follow-up revealed only one case with a focal area of avascular necrosis involving a previously ununited intraarticular fracture of the trochlea.     

Treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome with the wafer procedure

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of wafer resection of the distal ulna (the wafer procedure) as treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. Between 1995 and 1997, 26 patients were surgically treated for refractory wrist pain secondary to ulnar impaction syndrome. The diagnosis was based on physical examination, radiologic imaging, and wrist arthroscopy, and confirmatory pathoanatomy was identified at the time of surgery in all cases. The study population consisted of 18 women and 8 men, and patient age averaged 42 years. Follow-up averaged 27 months (range, 17-41 months). Twenty-three patients were completely satisfied with pain relief and the functional status of their wrists at final follow-up. Range of motion returned to baseline in the majority of cases, usually by 3 months, and grip strength increased an average of 11 kg (P < or = .005). The wafer procedure is an effective treatment alternative to ulnar-shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome and avoids the risk of nonunion and hardware-related complications.     

Results of ulnar shortening osteotomy with a new plate compression system

Purpose

The gold standard for treatment of ulnar impaction has become ulnar shortening osteotomy. Previous reports in the literature have shown not only good results with relief of ulnar-sided wrist pain but also significant nonunion rates and painful hardware necessitating further surgery and potentially, metal removal. The purpose of this paper is to review the success rate of ulnar shortening osteotomy utilizing a low profile compression plate designed specifically for ulnar shortening osteotomy.

Methods

Ninety-three patients with ulnar abutment syndrome underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy with the low profile osteotomy plate. There were 47 males and 46 females. The Acumed’s ulnar shortening system was utilized in all cases. The patients were evaluated for pain, range of motion, grip strength, return to work, time to union, and hardware removal. The patients’ results were validated using the Mayo Wrist Score.

Results

There was a 100 % union rate in the 93 patients. There were no nonunions or delayed unions, or any hardware removal. All patients noted an improvement in their ulnar-sided wrist pain. Utilizing the Mayo wrist classification, the average postoperative score was 84.5. The average preoperative Mayo score was 49.4, for an average increase of 35.1 points.

Conclusion

The Acumed’s low-contact plate designed specifically for ulnar shortening osteotomy demonstrated 100 % union rate and no implant removal in our series. This is the largest study to our knowledge of a series of ulnar shortening osteotomies and successful healing without the removal of any implants. Furthermore, the specifically designed ulnar shortening osteotomy plate significantly simplifies the procedure for the surgeon and improves patient outcomes with relief of ulnar-sided wrist pain.     

尺桡骨形状记忆接骨器的研制与临床应用

目的探索治疗尺、桡骨干骨折及骨不连的新技术。方法利用镍钛合金的记忆效应和尺、桡骨干的解剖特征,研制具有三维固定作用并能纵向记忆加压于骨断端的尺桡骨形状记忆接骨器(RSMC)。应用于临床治疗尺、桡骨干新鲜骨折31例57根、骨不连39例53根,共70例110根。结果所有患者术后获平均1年6个月(7个月～2年)随访。新鲜骨折组:无骨折延迟愈合或骨不连患者,骨牢固愈合时间平均为2.3个月。骨不连组:全部患者一次治愈,骨牢固愈合时间平均为3.5个月;2例皮肤切口轻度感染,未影响内固定与骨愈合。结论RSMC利用镍钛合金的记忆特性使骨断端在三维固定持续加压状态下愈合,是治疗尺、桡骨干新鲜骨折及骨不连的新器械。     

Arthrodesis of the wrist with bioabsorbable fixation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Twenty-four wrist arthrodeses were performed on 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide rod as the fixation device. There was one nonunion which required a re-operation and two nonunions which did not need further treatment. The position of the arthrodesis was ulnar deviation and extension in most patients, and there was high patient satisfaction with 21 of the 24 wrists and satisfactory pain relief in 22 of the 24 wrists. This method for fusing the wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis appears reliable and simple to perform.     

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.     

Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunions with Closed-Wedge Osteotomy of the Distal Radius: Report of Six Cases

BACKGROUND: The ideal treatment of nonunion of the scaphoid remains unresolved and controversial. It was hypothesized that scaphoid nonunion could be treated successfully using a closed-wedge osteotomy of the distal radius which reduces the inclination of the joint surface and decreases the pressure between the radial and scaphoid surfaces with a reduction of the force applied by the styloid process. We present a preliminary report in six patients with nonunion of the carpal scaphoid using this procedure. The main objective of the osteotomy is to achieve fusion, alleviate pain, and improve function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six closed-wedge osteotomies to reduce the inclination of the distal radial surface were performed in patients with scaphoid waist nonunion and a viable proximal pole, without posttrauma osteoarthritis or with moderate posttraumatic osteoarthritis confined to the radio-scaphoid joint. The present series of six patients (all men) were followed for at least 8 months (mean follow-up 14.2 months, range 8-21 months). RESULTS: Solid union was achieved in five patients. Postoperatively, three patients were pain-free, two presented mild pain for heavy work, and one had moderate pain. This type of osteotomy reduced the inclination of the joint surface (radial angulation) 6.2 degrees on average. There was an improvement in joint flexion from a preoperative mean of 40 degrees to 52.5 degrees at last follow-up, in extension from 40.8 degrees to 66.7 degrees , in radial deviation from 15 degrees to 22.5 degrees , and in ulnar deviation from 30.8 degrees to 41.7 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that a closed-wedge osteotomy of the distal radius could be an alternative approach for patients with scaphoid waist nonunion and a viable proximal pole, without posttrauma osteoarthritis or with moderate posttraumatic osteoarthritis confined to the radio-scaphoid joint. The number of cases was small; however, further studies with a much larger series are needed before routine use of wedge osteotomy in scaphoid nonunion can be recommended.     

The treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome: a systematic review of the literature

Ulnar impaction syndrome is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain that is thought to be a result of abutment between the ulna and the ulnar carpus. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine the effectiveness of different treatment options in managing ulnar impaction syndrome. PubMed, the Cochrane database, and secondary references were reviewed to identify all English-language articles with reported results on the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome. A total of 16 articles met the criteria for review. Three procedures were identified as the most commonly used in treating this syndrome: ulnar shortening osteotomy, the wafer procedure, and the arthroscopic wafer procedure. Mean time to union and percentage nonunion for the osteotomy group was 10.3 weeks and 1.7%, respectively. The overall complication rate for patients in the ulnar shortening osteotomy group, the wafer procedure group, and the arthroscopic wafer group was 30%, 8.8%, and 21%, respectively. The authors were unable to determine a single best treatment option based on the available studies, mainly due to the variability in the reporting of subjective outcome measures. Ulnar shortening osteotomy was associated with a higher complication rate than other procedures.     

外固定器结合植骨治疗尺桡骨骨折内固定术后骨不连

目的:探讨单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗尺桡骨骨折内固定术后骨不连的方法及疗效。方法:应用单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗29例尺桡骨骨折钢板和三棱针内固定术后骨不连,其中男19例,女10例;年龄18-60岁,平均28岁。尺骨14例,其中近段4例,中段7例,远段3例;桡骨15例,其中近段4例,中段6例,远段5例。开放性骨折8例,闭合性骨折21例。粉碎性骨折14例,斜形骨折6例,横形骨折9例。结果:全部病例随访6-23个月,平均手术后16周(13-24周)骨折愈合。肘关节活动度均超过屈130°、伸0°,腕关节活动度均达掌屈60°、背伸50°以上;22例前臂旋转功能旋前、旋后均达80°以上,1例旋前40°,1例旋后50°,2例旋前、旋后均受限,总活动度仅80°。术后无尺、桡骨间骨性融合。结论:单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗前臂骨折内固定术后骨不连是一种操作简便,创伤小,固定牢固并发症少的有效方法,治疗期间可早期功能活动。