Ulnar styloid fractures: A review

Purpose of review: Fractures of the distal ulna are common injuries and require adequate evaluation and treatment to maintain satisfactory wrist function. The purpose of this article is to review the current methods of evaluation and treatment of ulnar styloid fractures. Recent findings: The evaluation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in patients with ulnar styloid fractures can be accomplished by examination of the stability of the distal ulna, magnetic resonance imaging studies, and wrist arthroscopy. Ulnar styloid fractures with disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex require repair to maintain distal radioulnar joint stability. Large fragments from the distal ulna may also cause ulnar abutment. Summary: Ulnar styloid fractures denote significant force application to the ulnar wrist. The stability of the distal radioulnar joint must be evaluated. Both clinical examination and radiologic testing can indicate distal radioulnar joint instability. Impingement of the ulnar styloid on the carpus may also cause symptoms of ulnar abutment.