Management of Ulnar Styloid Nonunions.

Hand Clin · Feb 2024 · Review

Meyer MA, Leversedge FJ

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E. 17th Avenue

Hand & Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Trauma

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONUlnar styloid nonunions are often asymptomatic, but displaced basilar fragments can destabilize the DRUJ; confirm symptom linkage, then fragment repair or excision with or without TFCC repair improves outcomes.
Abstract, as published

Ulnar styloid fractures commonly occur in the setting of distal radius fractures and often progress to asymptomatic nonunion. Displaced basilar ulnar styloid fractures involving the deep radioulnar ligament attachments may cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. A careful clinical history, physical examination, review of imaging studies, and selected diagnostic interventions are important for confirming the relationship of the ulnar styloid nonunion with ulnar-sided wrist symptoms and/or DRUJ instability. Improved functional and symptomatic outcomes can be achieved with nonunion repair or fragment excision with or without triangular fibrocartilage complex repair, depending on the location and size of the ulnar styloid fracture.

Featured in the 2026-10-22 issue.

← Metacarpal and Phalangeal Nonunions.Complex Elbow Fracture-Dislocations: An Algorithmic Approach … →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.