Wrist arthroscopic treatment for fractures of the ulna styloid process

Objective To discuss the treatment methods of wrist arthroscopic management for fractures of the ulna styloid process to achieve better clinical outcomes. Methods Fifteen cases of fractures of the ulna styloid process were first treated with reduction of combined fracture of the distal radius under C-arm fluoroscope and wrist arthroscope monitoring using percutaneous pinning fixation or open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) was examined under wrist arthroscope and debridement or repair was done accordingly. The fractured ulna styloid process was reduced and fixed with steel tension band under wrist arthroscope monitoring. Results Eleven cases had concomitant TFCC injury. The patients were follow-up for an average of 15.4 months and the X-ray showed bone union of all the ulna styloid process fractures. The mean healing time was 5.2 months. According to the Green-O' Brien functional evaluation criteria the excellent and good rate of wrist function was 93.3%. There were no complications such as ulnar side pain and wrist instability. Conclusion Wrist arthroscopic treatment of fractures of ulna styloid process is not only effective to reduce and fix the fracture and beneficial for fracture heeling, but also able to detect TFCC injury for early management to avoid chronic wrist pain or wrist instability. Key words: Ulna fractures;  Arthroscopy;  Treatment outcome