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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

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.     

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。     

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 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 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.     

Does an ulnar styloid fracture interfere with the results of a distal radius fracture?

Background  

The ulnar styloid is a supportive structure for the capsular ligament complex of the distal radioulnar joint. The relation between fractures of the ulna and distal radius is not clear, especially in regard to whether ulnar fractures predict worse outcomes for distal radius fractures. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of ulnar styloid fractures in patients with reducible and unstable distal radius fractures.     

Unbehandelter Abriss des Processus styloideus ulnae

Background

There are well-defined criteria for the treatment of distal radius fractures but the impact of an unrepaired fracture of the styloid process of the ulnar on recovery after operative treatment is uncertain. This study evaluated radiological and functional results after different operative treatment procedures of distal radius fractures in patients with an untreated fracture of the styloid process of the ulna and those without such a fracture.

Methods

Out of 480 patients with operatively treated distal radius fractures 238 were examined at least 1 year after injury. The fracture of the styloid process of the ulna was not repaired. Three groups (patients without a fracture of the styloid process of the ulna, patients with a tip fracture and those with a basal fracture) were evaluated by multivariate analysis (MANOVA) in order to detect influences of the fracture of the styloid process of the ulna on the radiological and functional results.

Results

Neither the existence nor the location of the fracture of the styloid process of the ulna had a significant effect on the radiological and functional results (p_function=0,849, p_radiology=0,330, p_scores=0,426, MANOVA).

Conclusions

The repair of a fracture of the styloid process of the ulna is not necessary if reduction and fixation of the distal radius fracture is anatomical and stable.     

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。     

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.     

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例)。测量桡骨远端掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨高度。术后4个月采用Dienst功能评分标准评价临床疗效。末次随访时采用腕关节活动度评价腕关节功能恢复情况。结果患者均获得随访,时间9~16个月。术后掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨高度两组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后4个月采用Dienst功能评分标准评价临床疗效的优良率,观察组明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。末次随访时两组腕关节功能均已恢复。结论与采用单纯桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板治疗相比,桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板+尺骨茎突单皮质骨螺钉固定治疗桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突基底部骨折更利于改善患者临床症状,更利于恢复腕关节的稳定性。     

Outcomes of surgically treated distal radius fractures associated with triangular fibrocartilage complex injury

Study DesignProspective cohort.IntroductionClinical studies that evaluate the correlation between associated lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and outcome of distal radius fractures expressed with the patient-rated disability are missing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of distal radius fractures associated with or without an injury of the TFCC.MethodsPatients undergoing operative treatment for distal radius fracture were prospectively enrolled (n = 70). TFCC was examined by wrist arthroscopy and injuries classified according to Palmer. Comparative analyses were performed on 45 patients with TFCC injury (injured group) and 25 patients with intact TFCC (intact group). The outcome measures included the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires, 3 and 12 months after injury.ResultsTFCC was injured in 45 patients (64%). In patients with intact TFCC, mean total PRWE score was 27 (3 months) and 16 (12 months), compared to patients with TFCC injury with 40 (at 3 months) and 24 (at 12 months). Mean DASH scores were 26 and 13 at 3 and 12 months for the intact group and 39 and 27 for the injured group. PRWE and DASH results showed significant difference at 3 and 12 months when compared with Mann–Whitney test.DiscussionPRWE and DASH scores evaluation showed that patients with associated TFCC injury had greater pain and disability at 3 and 12 months after injury.ConclusionsDisability outcomes were worse in patients with distal radius fracture, where TFCC was injured. TFCC injuries are an important cofactor affecting the outcome of distal radius fractures.     

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。     

Complex Fractures of the Distal Radius

Abstract Objective: Outcome of complex distal radius fractures. Design: Retrospective clinical observation. Setting: Outcome assessment of a clinical series of patients with complex distal radius fractures treated according to a structured, stepwise treatment algorithm. Patients: 17 patients (average age 47 years) with mostly high-energy injuries, 16/17 articular fractures including concomitant carpal injuries, fracture dislocations, extension of the fracture into the diaphysis, and large defects. Intervention: Initial external fixation, followed by soft tissue treatment and further diagnostics and, finally, definitive adapted surgical therapy including combination of external fixation, plates, screws, K-wires, bone graft, and ligament repair. Main Outcome Measurements: DASH, range of motion, radiologic outcome. Results: Average subjective overall performance score (DASH) 16.4 (0–36.7, standard deviation [SD] 11.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.0–23.6), 73% of the patients back to premorbid work and activities. Conclusions: Using a clearly structured, stepwise approach, complex distal radius fractures can be treated with good clinical outcome preserving hand function.     

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.