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Skeletal Radiology
Published in: Skeletal Radiology 8/2013

01-08-2013 | Scientific Article

Union of the ulnar styloid fracture as a function of fracture morphology on conventional radiographs

Authors: H. Meyer, S. Krämer, P. F. O’Loughlin, B. Vaske, C. Krettek, R. Gaulke

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 8/2013

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Abstract

Objective

In a retrospective radiological study, the authors aimed to detect the influence of fracture morphology on the union rate of ulnar styloid fractures associated with distal radial fractures.

Materials and methods

Eighty-two out of 101 ulnar styloid fractures were included in the final statistical analysis. Initially, they were grouped into six different morphological types based on a novel classification system. They were also classified as per the established Fernández and Frykman classification systems. Furthermore, the initial ulnar styloid displacement was measured in conventional anteroposterior radiographs. Union of the ulnar styloid fracture was evaluated after at least 6 months of follow-up.

Results

The current investigators demonstrated that the various ulnar styloid fracture patterns have no significant predictive value for ulnar styloid union. In contrast, it could be attested, that an initial fragment dislocation of greater than 2.4 mm in the conventional AP radiographs has a significantly lower chance of successful union (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Initial displacement of the ulnar styloid should be measured in each distal radial fracture with a concomitant ulnar styloid fracture. This could be useful to inform the decision regarding surgical fixation of the ulnar styloid fragment in patients with an unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) or persistent symptoms at the ulnar aspect of the wrist.
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Metadata
Title
Union of the ulnar styloid fracture as a function of fracture morphology on conventional radiographs
Authors
H. Meyer
S. Krämer
P. F. O’Loughlin
B. Vaske
C. Krettek
R. Gaulke
Publication date
01-08-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 8/2013
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-013-1642-3

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