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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Early and late fixation of ulnar styloid base fractures yields different outcomes

Authors: Alvin Chao-Yu Chen, Chih-Hao Chiu, Chun-Jui Weng, Shih-Sheng Chang, Chun-Ying Cheng

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

The role of surgical fixation of ulnar styloid fractures remains a subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes following early and late intervention.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who underwent surgical repair for unilateral ulnar styloid fractures with distal radioulnar instability between 2004 and 2014. Surgical fixation was performed within 3 months of injury in 13 patients (group A) and beyond 3 months in 15 patients (group B). Patient characteristics and functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. The outcome survey consisted of QuickDASH score, grip strength, range of motion, pain score based on the visual analog scale, and surgical complications. Descriptive statistics were calculated for key variables. A p value of < 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Patient characteristics including age, sex, injured side, dominant side injury, and concomitant distal radius fracture showed no significant differences between the two groups. Time to surgery averaged 1.1 months in group A and 12.3 months in group B. Significantly better outcomes were found in group A than in group B, including QuickDASH scores (4.4 ± 5.9 vs. 12.9 ± 9.9) and grip strength (37.4 ± 5.1 vs. 29.1 ± 5.9 kg). Significantly better range of motion was found in group A than in group B with respect to supination (81.9° ± 4.3° vs. 75° ± 8.5°), extension (84.6 ± 4.3 vs. 76.7 ± 6.5), and flexion (80.4° ± 3.8° vs. 72° ± 4.1°). The difference was not significant in case of pronation (78.8° ± 3° vs. 74.3° ± 5.9°) and with respect to pain scores (0.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 1).

Conclusion

Both osseous and soft tissue lesions need to be fully addressed in ulnar styloid fractures. Early detection and surgical repair yielded better outcomes. Higher complication rates in late-treated fractures show that surgeons should select surgical candidates and modalities properly.

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Title: Early and late fixation of ulnar styloid base fractures yields different outcomes
Authors: Alvin Chao-Yu Chen
Chih-Hao Chiu
Chun-Jui Weng
Shih-Sheng Chang
Chun-Ying Cheng
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-018-0899-6

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Early and late fixation of ulnar styloid base fractures yields different outcomes

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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