Effect of healing of ulnar styloid process fracture on wrist joint function after radius distal fracture surgery

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of healing of ulnar styloid fracture in short term on wrist function after internal fixation of distal radius fracture. Methods The clinical data of 136 patients with unstable unilateral distal radius fractures and ulnar styloid process fractures admitted in Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Liaocheng from June 2012 to June 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were treated with locking plate for radius fracture. According to the healing status of ulnar styloid process, the patients were divided into group A (the ulnar styloid fracture healed, n=43) and group B (ulnar styloid fracture did not heal, n=93). According to the postoperative X-ray radiographs, the height of the radius (the difference between the radial styloid process and the ulnar styloid process), the angle of the palm, and the deviation of the radius were recorded; the healing of the radial fracture and the healing status of the ulnar styloid process were evaluated. The number of patients with ulnar joint rotation pain was also recorded. At the last follow-up, the Gartlant-Werley score and the disabilites of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score were used to assess the wrist function, and the range and wrist of the wrist were measured and recorded. The counting data were compared byChi-square test and the measurement data were compared by t test. Results There was no significant difference in age, sex, injury to operation time, fracture classification, injury side or cause of injury between the two groups (P >0.05). There were 18 cases (41.9%) of ulnar joint rotation pain in group A and 40 cases (43.0%) in group B, the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=1.021, P >0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay, fracture healing time, palm tilt angle, ulnar angle or radius height of the two groups (P >0.05). There was no significant difference in Gartlant-Werley score or the excellent and good rate between the two groups (P >0.05). Conclusion The healing of ulnar styloid process may not be affected in the short term on the rehabilitation of wrist joint after distal radius fracture fixation. Key words: Ulna; Fractures, bone; Fractures, cartilage; Radius fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Wrist joint