A new index for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relation between a new index we created for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid, and the clinical outcome.

METHODS

We devised a radiographic separation index (RSI), to evaluate the displacement of the ulnar styloid. We used this index in 44 patients (28 men and 16 women; mean age: 43.2 years; range: 24-64 years) with distal radius fractures involving the the ulnar styloid. In all cases, the distal radius fracture was fixed using a volar locking plate. The styloid fracture was treated conservatively. The relation between the RSI value and clinical results was then investigated.

RESULTS

In the 44 patients there were clinically 38 excellent, 4 good, and 2 moderate results. RSI ratios ranged from 2% to 11%. The patients with an excellent result had an RSI ratio of less than 5%. We found a significant correlation between the RSI ratio values and the clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that the RSI can be used as a predictor of the clinical outcome in patients with distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.