Fixing ulnar Styloid Fracture with Stable Distal Radioulnar Joint: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: The association of the ulnar styloid fracture with distal radius fracture is common and the necessity of ulnar styloid fixation is still controversial. We aim to investigate the effect of ulnar styloid fracture fixation on the final outcome of the distal radius fracture treatment. Methods: In a two-arm randomized clinical trial, patients with Fernandez type I distal radius fracture associated with ulnar styloid fracture in the base were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups of the ulnar styloid fracture being fixed and it being remained unfixed. Patients were followed up for 12 months using pain visual analogue scale (VAS), quick form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score questionnaire, Mayo performance score as well as the wrist range of motion and grip strength evaluation. Results: DASH score during three and six months after styloid fixation demonstrated higher scores (P-value= 0.03 and 0.00) and was proved significant, however, the two groups did not differ on the other variables. Conclusion: It could be concluded that ulnar styloid fixation using pin and wire have an adverse effect on distal radius fixation outcome.