TY  - JOUR
T1  - Risk factors for nonunion of ulnar styloid fractures associated with distal radius fractures
AU  - Kaya, Emre
AU  - Akdemir, Nurtaç Alper
AU  - Geçer, Ali
AU  - Konukoğlu, Levent
PY  - 2025
DA  - July
Y2  - 2025
DO  - 10.18621/eurj.1663265
JF  - The European Research Journal
JO  - Eur Res J
PB  - Prusa Medical Publishing
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 2149-3189
SP  - 683
EP  - 688
VL  - 11
IS  - 4
LA  - en
AB  - Objectives:  A major complication of ulnar styloid fractures (USFs) associated with displaced distal radius fractures (DRFs) is nonunion, which can result in pain and instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This study aimed to identify the risk factors influencing the healing of USFs in cases of displaced DRFs, when treated using different methods - either surgically with plate-screw fixation, or conservatively with closed reduction and a plaster cast. Methods:  A total of 41 patients with USFs associated with DRFs, treated either surgically or conservatively, were retrospectively evaluated. Fractures were classified based on the treatment modality (surgical/conservative), demographic data, and radiographic characteristics. The Fernandez classification system was used to categorize DRFs. USF displacement was stratified into two groups: displacement >2 mm and <2 mm. Union and nonunion rates were compared across all parameters. Results:  Of the 41 cases included, 12 DRFs were managed surgically with plate-screw fixation, while 29 were treated conservatively with closed reduction and casting. Union was achieved in 35 cases, whereas nonunion was observed in 6. A statistically significant correlation was found between USF displacement >2 mm and nonunion. No significant association was observed between nonunion and other variables, including treatment modality, age, sex, laterality, or fracture classification. Conclusions:  The development of nonunion in USFs accompanying DRFs is not significantly influenced by treatment modality, age, sex, fracture classification, or side of involvement. However, a displacement of the USF greater than 2 mm is associated with a significantly increased risk of nonunion.
KW  - Ulnar styloid fractures
KW  - distal radius fractures
KW  - fracture healing
KW  - radioulnar joint
KW  - risk factors
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.18621/eurj.1663265
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/4714789
ER  -