Distal ulnar physeal injury

We reviewed 18 patients and two traumatic amputation specimens with injuries involving the distal ulnar physis. Type 1 growth mechanism injuries were the most common fracture pattern with premature physeal closure and ulnar shortening occurring in 55% of the patients. Other consequences included radial bowing, ulnar angulation of the distal radius, and ulnar translocation of the carpus. Most of the patients, however, were asymptomatic. Initial radiographic diagnosis of this physeal injury may be difficult because of the relatively late ossification of the distal ulnar physis. Concomitant ulnar physeal injuries must be suspected in any injury to the distal radius, especially when an ulnar metaphyseal or styloid fracture is not readily evident.     

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.     

累及桡尺远侧关节不稳定的尺骨茎突骨折手术治疗

目的 介绍累及桡尺远侧关节不稳定的桡骨远端合并尺骨茎突骨折的手术指征和治疗方法.方法 2005年1月至2009年6月,对12例桡骨远端骨折合并尺骨茎突骨折的患者,采用克氏针结合张力带钢丝固定尺骨茎突,同时采用骨锚修复下尺桡韧带深层结构在尺骨隐窝的止点,从而稳定桡尺远侧关节.结果 术后12例桡骨远端骨折及尺骨茎突骨折均愈合,术后随访时间为6～18个月.按改良的Mayo腕关节评分标准评定:优4例,良5例,中2例,差1例.结论 尺骨茎突在桡尺远侧关节稳定中起着重要作用,对累及下尺桡韧带结构损伤的尺骨茎突骨折进行固定并重建韧带对稳定桡尺远侧关节有较为重要的作用.     

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.     

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.     

Longitudinal growth after nonphyseal forearm fractures

The overgrowth phenomenon after fracture has been considered rare in the upper extremity. This study analyzes 119 patients with forearm fractures treated conservatively. All patients had scanograms of both forearms 5 years later. A difference in length more than 2 mm was considered a discrepancy. Positive values of discrepancy were called overgrowth. A radial length discrepancy was observed in 80 patients (67.2%) and overgrowth in 38 (26.8%); ulnar values were 65 (54.6%) and 29 (24.3%), respectively. Radial overgrowth and ulnar overgrowth were related to the location of the radial fracture and handedness but not to the type of fracture, age or sex of the patient, or the presence or absence of an associated ulnar fracture. Discrepancy did not show a significant relationship to any of these variables. Surprisingly, fractures in the proximal and middle thirds often presented with overgrowth, whereas those closer to the distal physis did not.     

Posttraumatic distal ulnar physeal arrest: a case report and review of the literature

We report the case of a 12-year-old male who sustained a Salter–Harris (SH) type IV physeal fracture of the distal ulna and a SH type II fracture of the distal radius. At 34 months later, he presented with activity-related wrist pain and ulnar variance of ?17 mm. He successfully underwent ulnar distraction osteogenesis with radial closing wedge osteotomy. At 16-month follow-up, the patient denied wrist pain with activity, and imaging demonstrated ulnar variance of ?3 mm. Epiphyseal fracture separations of the distal radius and ulna have the potential to cause early growth arrest and may become symptomatic as a result. High-energy mechanism, open fracture, number of reduction attempts, and age at injury can all increase the risk of premature closure. Therefore, we recommend longitudinal follow-up of patients with these injuries as earlier intervention may improve outcomes. When premature physeal closure is discovered early, treatment may include resection of the physeal bar, osteotomy with or without epiphysiodesis, and distraction osteogenesis.     

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.     

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。     

桡骨远端骨折对下尺桡关节稳定性的影响

目的:分析桡骨远端骨折后腕部功能与下尺桡关节稳定性之间的关系,探讨桡骨远端骨折影响下尺桡关节稳定性的原因。方法:85例桡骨远端骨折患者,男27例,女58例;年龄17~74岁,平均42.3岁。采用手法复位石膏外固定治疗,伤后6~9个月(平均6.7个月)摄腕关节正侧位X线CR片,检查下尺桡关节稳定性,采用Sarmiento改良的Gartland-Werley评分系统(GW评分)对腕部进行功能评估。结果:85例获得6~9个月随访,平均6.7个月。19例有下尺桡关节不稳定。下尺桡关节不稳与放射学检查下尺桡关节情况之间无明显的联系。下尺桡关节不稳的患者GW评分平均为12.37±5.899,稳定的患者GW评分平均为6.85±4.222,差异有统计学意义。尺骨茎突是否骨折其GW评分差异无统计学意义。是否有尺骨茎突骨折其下尺桡关节不稳发生率比较差异无统计学意义。结论:明显成角或短缩畸形的桡骨远端骨折损伤三角纤维软骨复合体可能是造成下尺桡关节不稳、影响腕部功能的主要原因。伴随桡骨远端骨折的尺骨茎突骨折对下尺桡关节稳定性无明显影响。     

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.     

An unusual injury of pediatric both forearm fractures: Distraction epiphysiolysis: A case report

Introduction and importancePediatric both forearm fractures are one of the common traumas we encounter in clinical practice. We aimed to show a complication not shown in the literature, its possible cause and management of this complication in the surgery of these fractures.Case presentation9 years old girl applied to emergency orthopedics unit after fall. Both forearm fracture was appeared after X-ray. Due to reduction loss in the control X-ray of the first week, closed reduction and intramedullary K wire were planned. The prebent K-wire was tried to be sent as intramedullary. While attempting to advance the K-wire, loss of intramedullary resistance was felt. When controlled with fluoroscopy, type 1 epiphysiolysis was observed in the distal radius. Open anatomical reduction was performed on distal radius epiphysis. Two K wires were placed so that crossed the physis line. In 2-year follow-up, there was no length discrepancy or limitation of movement between the left and right radius.Clinical discussionIntramedullary fixation is first choice for surgery in pediatric both forearm fractures. There are 2 opinions for K-wire entering point: proximal and distal of physis. The biggest concern about transphyseal transmission of the K wire is that this conduction may cause physeal damage or arrest. However, physeal damage or arrest could not be shown in the literature. On the other hand, transphyseal application provides convenience in terms of surgical applicability.ConclusionIn our opinion, it will be more appropriate and safe to send the K wire transphyseal over the styloid for pediatric population have both forearm fractures.     

Growth arrest of the distal radius following a metaphyseal fracture: case report and review of the literature

We report a 12-year-old girl who developed growth arrest of the distal radius physis 9 months after sustaining a complete fracture of the distal radial and ulnar metaphysis with no involvement of the physis evident at time of injury. The girl sustained a fracture of the metaphysis of her right distal radius and ulna after a fall. Anterior-posterior, lateral and oblique radiographs at injury, and during subsequent healing show no evidence of the fracture involving the physis. She was treated with closed reduction and casting for 6 weeks and healed uneventfully. She returned 4 month later concerned about distal ulnar prominence. Radiographs revealed a loss of radial tilt and with suspicion of a physeal bar. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a physeal bar located in the dorsal radial region. A literature search of the Medline database was used to obtain prior case reports for review purpose. The patient underwent an epiphysiodesis of the distal radius and ulna along with an opening wedge osteotomy and bone grafting of the distal radius to restore radial height and inclination. She healed without complication and with restoration of the normal relationship of the distal radius and ulna. A review of the literature reveals five reported case of distal radial metaphyseal fractures not invloving the physis leading to growth arrest. By comparison, there are 31 reported cases of distal radius physeal arrest following fractures involving the physis. The physician should be aware that common distal radius metaphyseal fractures may rarely lead to growth arrest.     

Unusual physeal lesions of the lower limb. A report of 16 cases with very long-term follow-up observation

Sixteen cases of physeal injury of the hip or the knee were reviewed, with an average follow-up observation of 23 years and 8 months. Obstetric lesions were present in four cases. The average patient's age at injury was 8 years and 6 months, whereas it was 32 years and 3 months at follow-up observation. All our cases but three were treated nonoperatively. According to our evaluation criteria, eight patients had a good result, three fair, and five poor. A lower limb discrepancy ranging from 1.5 to 6 cm was present in seven patients. Either varus or valgus angulation of the knee was observed in three patients, but was marked in only one. Four patients had radiographic signs of osteoarthritis and all but one, had had a type III or IV injury. The highest number of good results was observed in proximal femur injuries, whereas the highest number of poor results was found in those of the distal femur. The final result seems to be closely related, in distal femoral lesions, to the type of physeal injury according to Salter and Harris and, in proximal tibial lesions, to the quality of reduction. In obstetric lesions, the results are unpredictable because even good short-term results may deteriorate during skeletal growth.     

尺骨茎突骨折对外固定架治疗桡骨远端骨折的影响

目的探讨尺骨茎突骨折对外固定支架治疗不稳定性桡骨远端骨折疗效的影响。方法回顾性分析118例不稳定性桡骨远端骨折患者的随访资料。根据尺骨茎突骨折情况分为:A组(尺骨茎突基底部骨折)、B组(尺骨茎突尖部骨折)、C组(无尺骨茎突骨折)。所有患者均采用外固定支架治疗,尺骨茎突骨折不做任何治疗,术后6~8周拆除外固定支架,平均随访15.3个月,终末随访时行影像学参数(掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨高度)、腕关节活动度(掌屈、背伸、尺偏、桡偏、旋前、旋后)及Gartland-Werley评分测定。结果终末随访时三组病例之间在影像学参数、腕关节活动度及Gartland-Werley评分方面均未发现统计学差异。结论采用外固定支架治疗不稳定性桡骨远端骨折时,若下尺桡关节稳定,对伴有的尺骨茎突骨折可不做任何治疗。     

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。     

Distal ulnar growth arrest

Four cases of arrest of distal ulnar physeal growth occurring in children ages 7 to 13 years had follow-up for 2 to 10 years. Each patient developed bowing of the radial diaphysis, ulnar translation of the distal radial epiphysis, and increased ulnar angulation of the distal radiocarpal joint surface. Growth discrepancies were documented in both the ulna (range 2.2 to 3.9 cm) and to a lesser extent the radius (range 0.2 to 1.6 cm) when compared to the opposite forearm in each patient. The progression of deformity appeared to be greatest during adolescence. Radial deviation and pronation were limited to varying degrees in each case. No patient had significant pain or functional impairment, but the cosmetic appearance was always displeasing. Indications for surgical treatment include increasing ulnar angulation of the distal radial articular surface, progressive loss of motion, and displeasing cosmetic appearance.     

Transradioulnar single Kirschner-wire fixation versus conventional Kirschner-wire fixation for unstable fractures of both of the distal forearm bones in children

The purpose of this study was to introduce transradioulnar single Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation technique for unstable fractures of both of the distal forearm bones in children and to evaluate the differences in clinical and radiographic results of osteosynthesis between this method and conventional K-wire fixation. Forty-one patients (20 conventional K-wire fixation, 21 transradioulnar single K-wire fixation) were reviewed who underwent a closed or mini-open reduction with K-wire fixation for fractures of both of the distal forearm bones. Their mean age at operation was 10.7 years (range, 8-16 years). Surgical intervention was indicated (1) when in addition to a complete ulnar fracture, the radius showed a 50% of displacement or greater, or 20-degree angulation or greater, (2) when in addition to an incomplete ulnar fracture, the radius was completely displaced, and (3) when reangulation was 15 degrees or greater in any direction at follow-up. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Bony union was achieved in both groups at approximately 7 weeks after surgery, and there were no significant differences in the operative time, duration of hospitalization, and duration of external support between the 2 groups. There were no major complications such as nonunion, radioulnar synostosis, premature physeal closure, or redisplacement or reangulation. Transradioulnar single K-wire fixation technique was a relatively simple procedure with comparable outcomes compared with conventional K-wire fixation technique. In addition, physeal injuries could be avoided, and there was no need for passing across the fracture line. Thus, it is suggested that transradioulnar single K-wire fixation technique can be a good alternative method for high-risk fractures of both of the distal forearm bones in children.     

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.