Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture

Overview

An ulnar styloid process fracture refers to a break or crack in the ulnar styloid process, which is a bony projection at the distal (far) end of the ulna, one of the two bones in the forearm (the other being the radius). This fracture commonly occurs as part of a wrist injury, especially in association with distal radius fractures, as the two bones are closely linked in the wrist joint.

Anatomy of the Ulnar Styloid Process:

• Location: The ulnar styloid process is found at the end of the ulna near the wrist, where the ulna meets the carpal bones. It projects downward from the posterior aspect of the ulna.
• Function: It provides attachment for important ligaments such as the ulnar collateral ligament and part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), which stabilise the wrist, especially during movement and load-bearing activities.
• Clinical Importance: Damage to this region, such as in a fracture, can affect the stability and movement of the wrist joint.

How Common are Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures?

Ulnar styloid process fractures often occur in conjunction with distal radius fractures. It’s estimated that in wrist fractures, up to 50-65% of cases might also involve an ulnar styloid fracture. Isolated ulnar styloid fractures (without a radius fracture) are much rarer but can still occur due to direct trauma to the wrist or hand.

Symptoms and Causes

Causes of Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures:

Ulnar styloid process fractures are typically caused by trauma to the wrist, such as:

• Falls: A common cause is falling onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH), which places significant force on the wrist and forearm.
• Direct Blunt Force: A direct impact or blow to the wrist or hand, such as in car accidents or contact sports, can fracture the ulnar styloid process.
• Sports Injuries: High-energy trauma in sports like skiing, snowboarding, or basketball can cause fractures.
• Wrist Twisting Injuries: Sudden, forceful twisting of the wrist (e.g., during falls or accidents) may lead to fractures.

These fractures often occur alongside distal radius fractures, as both bones in the forearm are connected at the wrist.

Risk Factors for Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures:

• Age: Due to reduced bone density, older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis, are more prone to fractures from falls.
• High-impact Activities: People involved in sports or activities with a high risk of falls or wrist trauma, such as skating, cycling, or contact sports, are at higher risk.
• Osteoporosis: Weakened bones increase the likelihood of fractures, even with minor trauma.
• Previous Wrist Injuries: A history of wrist fractures or instability can predispose individuals to future ulnar styloid fractures.
• Falls Risk: Those with balance issues or neurological conditions that increase the risk of falling are at greater risk of these types of fractures.

Complications Associated with Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures:

• Wrist Instability: Damage to the ulnar styloid process can affect the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), leading to wrist instability, difficulty in movements, and pain during gripping or twisting motions.
• Delayed Union or Non-union: The fractured bone may not heal properly or take longer to heal, leading to chronic pain and functional limitations.
• Arthritis: Damage to the joint surfaces around the wrist can increase the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• TFCC Tears: Injury to the ulnar styloid process can lead to or exacerbate TFCC tears, which play a crucial role in stabilising the wrist joint.
• Chronic Pain or Weakness: Even after healing, some individuals may experience lingering pain, weakness, or reduced wrist function, which can affect daily activities or sports performance.

It is important to get specialist orthopaedic care for all fractures, including Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures. Access Ortho is a private fracture clinic in Brisbane staffed by Orthopaedic Surgeons. 

Diagnosis and Tests

How are ulnar styloid process fractures diagnosed?

Medical History and Clinical Examination:

• A detailed medical history will be taken, including asking how the injury occurred, the onset of symptoms and any relevant past medical history.
• Patients often present with wrist pain, swelling, and tenderness over the ulnar side of the wrist, especially near the ulnar styloid process.
• Physical exam may reveal limited wrist movement or instability, especially when the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is involved.

Imaging Tests for Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

• X-rays:
  • Initial test of choice. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral wrist X-rays are typically used to evaluate fractures. The ulnar styloid process can often be visualised on these images.
  • Oblique views can provide additional details on the fracture, particularly in cases where the fracture line may not be obvious on standard views.
  • X-rays also help assess any involvement of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), which is important for understanding the injury’s severity.
• CT Scan:
  • For complex fractures or if the fracture is not clearly visible on X-rays, a CT scan may be used. This provides a more detailed view of the bone anatomy and the fracture pattern, especially if joint instability or other wrist structures are involved.
• MRI:
  • They are primarily used if there’s suspicion of associated soft tissue injury, such as ligamentous damage (e.g., the triangular fibrocartilage complex or TFCC). MRI can also show bone marrow edema, which might help confirm the diagnosis if X-rays are inconclusive.

Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishing Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures from Other Wrist Injuries

• Distal Radius Fractures:
  • Often co-occur with ulnar styloid fractures but can present alone. They are more common and usually occur with a fall on an outstretched hand.
  • X-rays and physical exams help differentiate distal radius fractures from isolated ulnar styloid injuries.
• Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injuries:
  • TFCC injuries may present with similar symptoms, including pain on the ulnar side of the wrist.
  • MRI is often required to diagnose TFCC tears, especially if X-rays show no fractures but the patient continues to experience pain and instability.
• DRUJ Injuries:
  • Distal radioulnar joint injuries may accompany ulnar styloid fractures, leading to wrist instability.
  • The piano key test (pressing the distal ulna down while the arm is pronated) may reveal instability associated with DRUJ injuries.
  • X-rays and sometimes CT scans are used to assess DRUJ involvement.
• Scaphoid Fractures:
  • These occur in the radial part of the wrist but may sometimes be confused with ulnar-sided pain or referred pain.
  • Scaphoid tenderness and pain in the anatomical snuffbox, along with specific scaphoid views on X-rays, help distinguish it from ulnar styloid fractures.

In summary, ulnar styloid process fractures are diagnosed after a clinical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays. CT or MRI are used for more complex cases or for suspected soft tissue damage. Proper management requires distinguishing them from other wrist injuries, particularly distal radius fractures, TFCC injuries, and DRUJ instability. Access Ortho is a leading fracture clinic in Brisbane; our team specialises in orthopaedic injuries. 

Specific Considerations

Types of Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

Ulnar styloid process fractures can be classified based on their location, fracture pattern, and associated injuries:

• Tip Fracture (Avulsion Fracture):
  • A small piece of bone is pulled away from the tip of the ulnar styloid, often by a ligament (e.g., the triangular fibrocartilage complex or TFCC). These fractures are usually stable and less likely to cause significant wrist instability.
• Base Fracture:
  • It occurs at the base of the ulnar styloid process, where it attaches to the ulnar head. These fractures may involve the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and are more likely to cause wrist instability and functional impairments. They are often associated with more severe wrist injuries like distal radius fractures.
• Comminuted Fracture:
  • Involves multiple fragments of the ulnar styloid process, often as a result of high-energy trauma. These fractures are more complex and may be associated with significant wrist instability.
• Displaced vs. Non-displaced Fractures:
  • Displaced fractures occur when the bone fragments have shifted apart, which can lead to instability and usually require more intensive treatment, such as surgical intervention.
  • Non-displaced fractures have bone fragments that remain in their normal position and are typically treated with immobilisation.

Associated Injuries in Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

Ulnar styloid process fractures are often part of a more complex wrist injury, and several other structures may be involved:

• Distal Radius Fractures:
  • Ulnar styloid fractures frequently accompany fractures of the distal radius. The combination of both fractures may indicate a more severe wrist injury, with potential disruption of wrist mechanics.
• Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injuries:
  • The TFCC stabilises the ulnar side of the wrist, and its attachment to the ulnar styloid means that an avulsion fracture can disrupt this complex. TFCC injuries can lead to wrist pain, instability, and limited movement, especially in pronation and supination.
• Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Injuries:
  • DRUJ injuries are common when ulnar styloid fractures extend into the base. Disruption of this joint can lead to chronic instability and problems with forearm rotation (pronation/supination).
  • DRUJ instability can be subtle but significantly affects wrist function and grip strength.
• Ligamentous Injuries:
  • Ligaments that stabilise the wrist may also be injured in conjunction with an ulnar styloid fracture. This includes the ulnolunate and ulnocarpal ligaments, which are essential for maintaining wrist stability.

Impact on Wrist Stability and Function

The impact of an ulnar styloid process fracture on wrist stability and function depends on the fracture type and associated injuries:

• Wrist Stability:
  • Fractures of the ulnar styloid, especially those at the base or associated with TFCC and DRUJ injuries, can compromise the stability of the wrist and forearm. The ulnar styloid is an attachment point for ligaments that stabilise the wrist, and a fracture in this area can lead to instability, particularly when rotating the forearm (pronation and supination).
  • In cases where the DRUJ is involved, chronic instability can develop, causing long-term issues with wrist movement and strength.
• Wrist Function:
  • Fractures at the tip are generally less likely to affect wrist function significantly and may heal well with conservative treatment.
  • Base fractures, on the other hand, can result in a loss of function due to DRUJ involvement. Patients may experience difficulties performing daily tasks requiring wrist rotation, such as turning door knobs or using tools.
  • If the fracture is associated with TFCC injury, patients may experience persistent pain, especially when bearing weight on the wrist or gripping objects tightly. TFCC injuries can also lead to long-term limitations in wrist mobility and strength.

In summary, the type and location of the ulnar styloid process fracture and any associated injuries to the TFCC, DRUJ, or distal radius determine the degree of wrist instability and functional impairment. Ulnar Styloid Fractures must be managed by orthopaedic specialists. Access Ortho offers rapid appointments for fractures, sprains and strains. 

Management and Treatment

Conservative Treatment Options for Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

Conservative (non-surgical) treatment is typically used for non-displaced or minimally displaced ulnar styloid process fractures and fractures with no significant instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) or associated structures.

• Immobilisation:
  • Wrist splint or cast: The wrist is immobilised with a splint or cast, usually for 4-6 weeks. This prevents movement that could displace the fracture and allows the bone to heal.
• Pain Management:
  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): To control pain and reduce swelling.
  • Cold therapy: Application of ice packs to the injured area for the first 48 hours can help control pain and reduce swelling.
• Activity Modification:
  • Avoid activities that could stress the wrist or lead to further injury, such as lifting heavy objects, pushing/pulling movements, or high-impact activities.
• Follow-up X-rays:
  • X-rays may be taken during the healing process to check if the fracture is healing correctly and has not become displaced.

Conservative treatment is effective for minor fractures, and with proper healing and rehabilitation, patients can often regain full function.

Surgical Interventions for Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

Surgery is considered when the fracture is displaced, involves the base of the ulnar styloid, or if there is associated instability of the DRUJ or TFCC injury. Surgery is used to restore joint stability and alignment. Access Ortho will advise on this if you require surgery and find a suitable surgeon. 

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF):
  • ORIF is the most common surgical intervention for ulnar styloid fractures, especially for displaced fractures or those involving the base.
  • In this procedure, the surgeon realigns the fractured bone fragments (open reduction) and then secures them with screws, pins, or a tension band wire (internal fixation) to hold the bone in place as it heals.
  • This procedure is often performed when there is significant wrist instability or associated DRUJ involvement.
• Arthroscopic Surgery:
  • In cases where the TFCC and the ulnar styloid are damaged, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to repair the ligamentous structures. This technique is minimally invasive. It allows the surgeon to examine and repair the joint without requiring a large incision.
  • TFCC repair may be combined with ORIF if the injury is complex.
• Ulnar Styloid Excision:
  • In some cases, particularly when the tip of the ulnar styloid is fractured and causing persistent pain or instability, the surgeon may choose to excise (remove) the styloid fragment. This can relieve symptoms without compromising wrist function.
• DRUJ Stabilisation Procedures:
  • If the fracture has led to DRUJ instability, surgical procedures to stabilise the joint may be required. This can include ligament reconstruction or fixation of the ulnar head to restore stability and function.

Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery from both conservatively treated and surgically managed ulnar styloid fractures. Physiotherapy may be required to help restore strength, mobility, and function to the wrist and forearm. Access Ortho will guide you on the need for physiotherapy and provide a referral if necessary. 

• Initial Phase (Immobilisation and Early Healing):
  • Immobilisation: The wrist is immobilised during the first few weeks of healing. During this time, light fingers, shoulder, and elbow exercises may be encouraged to prevent stiffness in adjacent joints.
  • Edema management: Elevation and gentle finger movements help reduce swelling during immobilisation.
• Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises:
  • Once the cast or splint is removed (typically after 4-6 weeks), gentle range-of-motion exercises are introduced. These exercises aim to restore mobility to the wrist and forearm, focusing on flexion, extension, pronation, and supination.
  • Passive and active ROM exercises are gradually progressed based on pain tolerance and healing progress.
• Strengthening Exercises:
  • After regaining adequate ROM, strengthening exercises are added to restore muscle function around the wrist and forearm. This includes using resistance bands or light weights to target wrist flexors, extensors, and forearm muscles.
  • Grip strengthening exercises are essential to restore hand function and grip strength, which is often impaired after wrist fractures.
• Proprioception and Coordination:
  • Proprioception (the body’s ability to sense its position in space) and coordination exercises are introduced to improve wrist stability, especially in cases involving DRUJ or TFCC injuries.
  • Balance boards or other wrist proprioception tools may be used to enhance joint stability.
• Functional Training:
  • As the wrist continues to heal, patients may engage in more specific exercises to restore function for daily activities. Based on the patient’s lifestyle and goals, exercises for gripping, lifting, or rotational movements can be incorporated.
  • Return to sports or heavy lifting is usually delayed until the wrist has regained full strength and stability, often several months after the injury.
• Stretching:
  • Stretching exercises are important to prevent stiffness and restore flexibility. Gentle stretches for the wrist, forearm, and hand are done to maintain the mobility gained during rehab.

Timeline for Rehabilitation:

• Weeks 1-6: Immobilisation with finger and shoulder exercises.
• Weeks 6-12: ROM and gentle strengthening, with gradual weaning from the splint.
• Months 3-6: Advanced strengthening, proprioception training, and functional exercises.

Rehabilitation can take several months, depending on the severity of the fracture and associated injuries. The goal is to return to full function and prevent long-term complications like stiffness or instability.

Access Ortho is a leading fracture clinic in Brisbane staffed by orthopaedic surgeons. We offer rapid appointments for acute orthopaedic injuries.

Prevention

Strategies to Prevent Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

• Strengthening Exercises for Wrist Protection:
  • Wrist and forearm Strengthening: Perform exercises such as wrist curls, reverse curls, and forearm rotations to increase strength in the muscles around the wrist and improve joint stability.
  • Grip Strengthening: Use hand grips or stress balls to build strength in the hand and wrist.
  • Resistance Band Exercises: Incorporate resistance band training for flexion, extension, and pronation/supination movements to enhance wrist flexibility and stability.
• Proper Techniques in Sports and Activities:
  • Falls Prevention: Learn proper falling techniques in high-risk sports like cycling or skating to avoid direct impact on the wrist.
  • Protective Gear: Use wrist guards during high-impact sports (e.g., skateboarding, snowboarding) to absorb shock and reduce injury risk.
  • Correct Form: Practice proper form in activities like lifting, tennis, and golf to minimise strain on the wrist joint and prevent injury from overuse or awkward movements.

Outlook / Prognosis

What to Expect During Recovery from an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture

During recovery, patients can expect initial immobilisation, followed by rehabilitation focused on restoring wrist mobility, strength, and function. Pain and swelling may persist in the early stages but gradually decrease as the bone heals. If treated conservatively, the wrist will be immobilised in a splint or cast, whereas surgical patients will have a period of rest followed by physiotherapy.

• Immobilisation: For non-displaced fractures, a cast or splint is typically worn for 4-6 weeks, or longer for more severe fractures.
• Pain management: Pain may be present initially, managed with NSAIDs and cold therapy.
• Rehabilitation: After immobilisation, gradual exercises to improve range of motion and strength will be introduced, often under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

Typical Recovery Timeline for Ulnar Styloid Process Fractures

• Weeks 1-6: Immobilisation, with an emphasis on pain management and preventing swelling. Finger, elbow, and shoulder exercises can be done during this phase.
• Weeks 6-12: The cast or splint is removed, and gentle range-of-motion exercises begin. Strengthening exercises are gradually introduced for the wrist and forearm.
• Months 3-6: Advanced strengthening and functional exercises are incorporated. Patients can usually return to daily activities in 3 months, but more demanding physical activities (e.g., sports or heavy lifting) may take 4-6 months.
• 6-12 Months: Full recovery is typically achieved by this time, though some residual stiffness or discomfort may persist for longer in complex cases.

Long-Term Outcomes and Potential Complications

Most patients recover well from ulnar styloid process fractures, especially with proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, some potential long-term issues include:

• Wrist stiffness: Persistent stiffness can occur, particularly if rehabilitation is delayed or inadequate.
• Chronic pain or instability: When the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) or triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is affected, patients may experience ongoing pain or instability, especially with rotational movements.
• Non-union or delayed union: Rarely, the fracture may not heal properly, leading to chronic pain or functional limitations.
• Osteoarthritis: In cases of significant joint involvement or untreated ligament damage, arthritis can develop over time.

With appropriate management, most patients regain full function, but more severe fractures may lead to mild, long-term wrist issues. It is important to seek orthopaedic care early for an Ulnar Styloid Fracture to avoid complications and minimise recovery time. Access Ortho is a Brisbane Fracture Clinic offering urgent appointments for fractures. 

When to Seek Medical Attention

The following signs indicate immediate medical care is needed:

If you’ve sustained an ulnar styloid process fracture, the following signs may indicate complications or worsening of the injury, requiring immediate medical attention:

• Severe, Uncontrolled Pain: Pain that worsens or doesn’t improve with prescribed medications could indicate improper alignment or complications like nerve involvement.
• Numbness or Tingling: These sensations, particularly in the hand or fingers, may suggest nerve compression or damage.
• Severe Swelling or Bruising: Excessive swelling or discolouration could indicate vascular damage or compartment syndrome, which requires urgent intervention.
• Inability to Move Fingers or Wrist: An inability to move the fingers, wrist, or forearm or a sudden change in movement may suggest significant instability or tendon injury.
• Visible Deformity: If the wrist or forearm appears misaligned or deformed, it may indicate a displaced fracture or additional bone damage.
• Signs of Infection (Post-Surgery): After surgical intervention, symptoms such as fever, increased redness, warmth, or discharge from the surgical site should prompt immediate care to address possible infection.

Follow-up Appointments and Monitoring

It is important to attend follow-up appointments to check the progress of your injury. Access Ortho offers non-surgical follow-up appointments in the clinic. If you have surgery follow-up will be arranged by the surgeon. Your follow-up appointments may include the following:

• Regular X-rays:
  • After initial treatment (whether conservative or surgical), follow-up X-rays may be required to monitor the healing progress and ensure proper bone alignment.
• Check for DRUJ and TFCC Stability:
  • During follow-up visits, doctors will assess the stability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and also the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) to ensure there is no lingering instability or damage that could affect wrist function.
• Monitoring for Complications:
  • Follow-up appointments will identify any signs of non-union, malunion (improper bone healing), or stiffness that may require additional intervention, such as physiotherapy or surgery.
• Surgical Patients:
  • If surgery was performed, sutures or staples are typically removed after about 1-2 weeks, and additional follow-up visits may be scheduled to assess healing, the integrity of the hardware, and overall recovery.

Proper follow-up and monitoring help ensure optimal recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Access Ortho offers orthopaedic specialist follow-up appointments in the clinic. 

Understanding Fracture Clinics

What is a fracture clinic?

A fracture clinic such as Access Ortho offers specialist care in orthopaedic injuries such as fractures and sprains. Access Ortho is a private fracture clinic located in Brisbane and Ipswich. A fracture clinic differs from Urgent Care or Emergency Departments as they only treat musculoskeletal injuries and are experts in managing these conditions. In addition, Access Ortho offers follow-up care in the clinic with orthopaedic surgeons. This ensures you receive specialist care until a full recovery is made. 

At a Fracture Clinic such as Access Ortho, your injury will be assessed, medical history taken, and radiology arranged. Based on these findings and in collaboration with the orthopaedic surgeons, a diagnosis will be made. Non-surgical treatment and follow-up will occur at the clinic; if necessary, a referral for surgery will be arranged. 

Access Ortho offers Urgent Care for musculoskeletal injuries, and no referral is required to attend. Access Ortho offers Urgent Fracture care from injury until a full recovery is made. 

What to expect when you attend your fracture clinic appointment

A fracture clinic appointment is crucial for assessing the extent of your ulnar fracture and developing a tailored treatment plan. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during the visit.

Initial Assessment

Medical History:

• The medical practitioner will begin by taking a thorough medical history. They’ll ask about:
  • How the injury occurred (e.g., fall, sports injury, etc.).
  • Symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as pain level, swelling, and wrist mobility.
  • Previous medical conditions (e.g., osteoporosis) or any prior fractures or surgeries involving the wrist.

Physical Examination:

• The clinician will carefully assess the wrist, hand, and forearm, looking for:
  • Swelling and bruising.
  • Deformity or signs of bone displacement.
  • Range of motion: You may be asked to try moving your fingers, wrist, and hand to check how much movement you have and to assess pain with movement.
  • Circulation and Nerve Function: The doctor will check for normal blood flow (pulse in the wrist) and nerve function (sensation in the fingers and hand).

Diagnostic Imaging

If not already performed, diagnostic imaging is essential to diagnose and confirm the fracture type and severity. Access Ortho will refer you for these. Radiology practices are located nearby, so you can return to the clinic after your x-rays for the results to ensure no treatment delay. 

Treatment Plan Discussion

The medical practitioner will discuss treatment options. Depending on the fracture type and severity, this can include conservative or surgical treatment. If surgery is required, Access Ortho will help arrange it. The medical team at Access Ortho are specialists in Orthopaedic care, and you will, therefore, get expert advice on managing your injury. 

Follow-Up Appointments

Before leaving the fracture clinic at Access Ortho, you’ll be scheduled for follow-up visits to monitor your healing. During these visits, the Orthopaedic Surgeon will assess your progress, arrange further radiology if required, consider any complications, and alter treatment plans if necessary. You will be able to ask any questions you have. If a referral for hand therapy is required at any time during your follow-up care, this can be arranged.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can You Move Your Wrist with an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture?

It depends on the severity of the fracture. With minor, non-displaced fractures, you may still have some limited wrist movement, though it can be painful. However, severe or displaced fractures may cause significant pain, instability, and restricted movement in the wrist and forearm.

How Long Does It Take for an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture to Heal?

Healing typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture, whether surgery was required, and adherence to rehabilitation. Non-displaced fractures often heal closer to the 6-week mark, while more complex injuries may take longer, especially with surgical intervention.

Is Surgery Always Necessary for an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture?

No, surgery is not always necessary. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures often heal well with conservative treatments like splint or cast immobilisation. Surgery is generally needed when the fracture is displaced, involves the base of the ulnar styloid, or causes instability in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).

What’s the Difference Between an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture and Other Wrist Fractures?

An ulnar styloid process fracture specifically involves the small bony projection at the end of the ulna bone, whereas other wrist fractures commonly involve the radius (e.g., distal radius fractures). Ulnar styloid fractures often occur alongside distal radius fractures and can involve structures like the TFCC and DRUJ, affecting wrist stability.

Can an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture Heal on Its Own?

Many non-displaced ulnar styloid fractures can heal on their own with conservative treatment such as immobilisation. However, displaced fractures or those causing wrist instability may require surgery to prevent long-term complications.

How Does an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture Affect Grip Strength?

A fractured ulnar styloid process, especially if associated with DRUJ or TFCC injury, can weaken grip strength due to pain, instability, and reduced wrist function. During recovery, grip strength often returns but may take time to fully recover, depending on the severity of the injury.

Are There Any Long-Term Complications of an Untreated Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture?

If left untreated, an ulnar styloid process fracture can lead to ongoing wrist pain, instability, and reduced range of motion. Additionally, injuries involving the DRUJ or TFCC can result in long-term complications like wrist arthritis or permanent loss of function.

Can I Drive with an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture?

Driving is not recommended during the early stages of healing, especially while the wrist is immobilised in a cast or splint. Once some mobility and strength return, you may be able to drive. It is important to consult with your doctor or physiotherapist to ensure it is safe to drive.

What Activities Should I Avoid During Recovery from an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture?

During recovery, avoid activities that place stress on the wrist, such as:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Pushing, pulling, or twisting motions (e.g., opening jars)
• High-impact sports (e.g., contact sports, cycling)
• Repetitive wrist movements until cleared by your doctor or physiotherapist

How Can I Manage Pain from an Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture at Home?

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Cold therapy: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours after injury.
• Elevation: Keep your wrist elevated to reduce swelling.
• Rest and immobilisation: Limit wrist movement as advised to prevent further injury and allow healing.