Ulnar styloid triquetral impaction.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar styloid triquetral impaction (USTI), one of many causes of ulnar sided wrist pain, is a pathological entity with clear clinical and radiographic features, distinct and different from the impaction of the ulnar head against the lunate or ulno-carpal impaction (UCI). Pain is ulnar and point-tenderness is present precisely over the ulnar styloid as opposed to the proximal lunate in UCI. The provocative maneouvre of dorsiflexion in pronation followed by supination is markedly different from the ulnar deviation grind test maneouvres used to diagnose UCI. Multiple anatomical and pathological features interplay to produce a situation in which the distance between the tip of the ulnar styloid and the triquetrum is reduced resulting in USTI. The concept of ulnar styloid variance is introduced and anatomical variations of ulnar styloid length are demonstrated. METHODS: The clinical and radiographic features of 56 patients diagnosed with USTI were analysed. One thousand standardised film-file wrist radiographs were measured to determine the average length of the ulnar styloid in the population as well as the average projection of the styloid above the radius (ulnar styloid variance). RESULTS: An aetiological classification system for USTI was developed based on the clinical and radiographic features of the aforementioned patients and radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of this syndrome are often complex and classification of the aetiological features is clinically useful. It is important for physicians and surgeons to recognise the clinical and radiographic features of this syndrome in order to properly manage the symptoms and prevent an iatrogenic production of USTI.     

克氏针结合钢丝法治疗尺骨茎突骨折

目的 探讨尺骨茎突骨折的手术方法 及疗效.方法 2001年8月-2006年6月,对56例(58处)尺骨茎突骨折的患者,采用克氏针结合钢丝法进行内固定治疗.结果 术后随访1.5～18个月,平均7个月.X线片显示骨折均完全骨性愈合,55例无腕部慢性疼痛及活动受限,1例有腕部慢性疼痛.结论 应用克氏针结合钢丝法治疗尺骨茎突骨折是理想的治疗方法 ,尤其对预防尺骨远端疼痛,疗效满意.     

Evaluation of ulnar styloid length

PURPOSE: General awareness of the ulnar styloid impaction syndrome is low and often is neglected. Radiographic evaluation of the ulnar styloid length generally includes an x-ray of the posteroanterior view. This study analyzed the effect of different radiographic views to assess the length of the ulnar styloid. The ulnar styloid-capitate ratio (SCR) expresses the relative length of the ulnar styloid, and we compare this ratio with the ulnar styloid process index (USPI). METHODS: To evaluate the ulnar styloid and to analyze the effect of different radiographic views on measurement outcome, measurements were performed in 7 different radiographic positions of both wrists of 69 patients. To assess the relative size of the ulnar styloid and its impaction potential the USPI was calculated, re-evaluated, and compared with the SCR, in which the length of the ulnar styloid is divided by the length of the capitate bone. RESULTS: The mean ulnar styloid length in all standard posteroanterior radiographs is 4.4 +/- 1.2 mm. In our population the average USPI was 0.21 +/- 0.11 and the average SCR was 0.18 +/- 0.05. The SCR has a stronger correlation with the length of the ulnar styloid than the USPI. Furthermore this new ratio eliminates differences related to gender, whereas the USPI does not. CONCLUSIONS: To identify ulnar impaction potential we recommend using the USPI, but to compare ulnar styloid between patients we recommend using the SCR obtained from neutral posteroanterior radiographs. For white patients we suggest defining a long ulnar styloid as having an SCR greater than 0.18 +/- 0.05 and/or an overall styloid length greater than 6 mm.     

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。     

Hypertrophic ulnar styloid nonunions

Eleven patients with chronic pain on the ulnar side of the wrist and roentgenographic evidence of a hypertrophic ulnar styloid nonunion were treated with subperiosteal excision of the nonunion fragment. This procedure relieved the localized pain without changing either radiocarpal or distal radioulnar joint stability.     

The value of the pronated-grip view radiograph in assessing dynamic ulnar positive variance: a case report

Positive ulnar variance affects surgical decision making when ulnar wrist pain is refractory to conservative treatment and is either secondary to a posttraumatic triangular fibrocartilage tear or associated with ulnar impaction syndrome. In such settings, ulnar recession may be necessary to diminish load transmission across the ulnocarpal joint. We present a case of a 24-year-old man with chronic right ulnar wrist pain that illustrates the efficacy of the pronated-grip radiograph in assessing dynamic ulnar positive variance.     

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.     

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.     

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome restricts even midcarpal range of motion.

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome is believed to be caused by abutment between the ulna and the ulnar carpus. We measured radiocarpal and midcarpal ranges of motion in 40 patients with ulnocarpal impaction syndrome by radiographic motion studies. The results showed that the radiocarpal and midcarpal ranges of motion were equally restricted in the affected wrist compared with the unaffected wrist. Therefore, motion of the radiocarpal joint and midcarpal joint contributed equally to total wrist motion bilaterally. No correlation between ulnar variance and the contribution of radiocarpal motion to overall wrist motion was found. Restriction of wrist motion in ulnocarpal impaction syndrome is not caused directly by abutment between the ulna and ulnar carpus, but a satisfactory explanation for restricted motion is still lacking.     

Ulnar impaction

Ulnar impaction syndrome is a common source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. It is a degenerative condition that occurs secondary to excessive load across the ulnocarpal joint, resulting in a spectrum of pathologic changes and symptoms. It may occur in any wrist but is usually associated with positive ulnar variance, whether congenital or acquired. The diagnosis of ulnar impaction syndrome is made by clinical examination and is supported by radiographic studies. Surgery is indicated if nonoperative treatment fails. Although a number of alternatives exist, the 2 primary surgical options are ulnar-shortening osteotomy or partial resection of the distal dome of the ulna (wafer procedure). This article discusses the etiology of ulnar impaction syndrome, and its diagnosis and treatment.     

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 impingement syndrome

The tip of an excessively long ulnar styloid can impinge upon the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) against the triquetrum. The subtleties in biomechanics of the wrist joint and their role in the production of the symptoms are presented as five cases from a retrospective study. The relationship of the symptoms to the patients’ job activities is also discussed. The embryological and anatomical studies show that the tip of the ulnar styloid is covered by the TFCC. Therefore, the term “ulnar styloid impingement syndrome” is adopted for the entity in cases in which the TFCC has remained intact.     

Results of ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnocarpal impaction syndrome in wrists with neutral or negative ulnar variance

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome was diagnosed in six wrists of five patients with neutral or negative ulnar variance. All underwent ulnar shortening with satisfactory results. The average grip strength increased from 53% to 78% and the range of flexion-extension increased from 82% to 93%, the mean Cooney's score improved from 25 to 83. These cases show that ulnocarpal impaction syndrome can occur in wrists with zero or negative ulnar variance, and that ulnar shortening is an effective treatment for such wrists.     

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.     

非创伤性尺腕撞击综合征的诊断和治疗

目的 探讨无明确创伤病史且X线片表现不典型的尺腕撞击综合征的特点及诊断标准和治疗方法.方法 回顾性研究2003年10月至2010年10月明确诊断和治疗的55例尺腕撞击综合征患者中没有明确创伤病史且X线片表现不典型的25例,在Kostas诊断标准基础上,观察尺腕压力试验、动态尺骨正向变异、MRI检查的阳性率和腕关节镜检查,分析观察指标对诊断结果的影响和临床意义.治疗采取尺骨短缩手术,截骨方式中16例采用水平截骨(Darrow法),9例采用斜行截骨(Rayhack法),加压钢板螺钉内固定.采用Darrow标准作为疗效评价标准.结果 本组25例患者中尺腕压力试验阳性比率为84％,动态尺骨正向变异的发生比率为52％,MRI检查发现腕骨信号改变的比率为82％,以月骨尺侧部近端和三角骨腰部最为常见,腕关节镜检查三角纤维软骨复合体(TFCC)退变及尺骨头和月骨的软骨退变比率为100％.随访时间4～48个月,平均26个月.25例骨折均愈合,水平截骨的平均愈合时间为4.5个月,斜行截骨的平均愈合时间为2.5个月.优7例,良15例,中2例,差1例;总优良率为88％.术后未发生严重并发症,治疗结果满意.结论 非创伤性尺腕撞击综合征由于缺少明确的创伤病史,尤其当X线片表现不典型时同其他引起腕关节尺侧疼痛的病因较难鉴别,应用尺腕压力试验、动态尺骨正向变异检查和早期MRI检查可早期明确诊断,有效提高诊断率.腕关节镜检查可作为诊断困难和鉴别诊断的补充手段.应用尺骨短缩手术可明显改善症状,斜行截骨是值得推荐的截骨方式.     

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。     

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。     

Fracture of the ulnar styloid process. Effect on wrist function in the presence of distal radius fracture

Disruption of the ulnar styloid process is a frequent injury in concomitance with fractures of the distal end of the radius. Healing occurs in many cases in the form of pseudoarthritis. Evaluation of 222 cases of distal radius fracture showed involvement of the ulnar styloid process to have no impact upon long-term wrist function.     

Oblique ulnar shortening osteotomy with a new plate and compression system

Ulnocarpal abutment or the ulnocarpal impaction syndrome occurs when excessive loads exist between the distal ulna and ulnar carpus. This overloading occurs as a result of the distal ulnar articular surface being more distal than the ulnar articular surface of the distal radius. This situation has been termed positive ulnar variance, and it can quickly lead to ulnar-sided wrist degenerative changes and functional losses. Patients often have vague, ulnar-sided complaints of chronic pain and swelling with an insidious onset that does not correlate with any specific traumatic event. Many procedures have been developed to alleviate this condition, but the gold standard for correcting positive ulnar variance is the ulnar shortening osteotomy. The goals of the shortening procedure are to relieve pain and prevent arthritis by reestablishing a neutral or slightly negative ulnar variance. We describe a new plate and compression system in which an oblique ulnar diaphyseal osteotomy is both completed and stabilized through the same jig-based system.