Therefore, fixation of the ulnar styloid is indicated when there are large sized fragments that persist deviated after stabilization of the radius or when the distal radioulnar joint is grossly unstable.

When should ulnar styloid be fixed?

Treatment of an ulnar styloid nonunion should be considered if patients are symptomatic and/or have DRU-joint instability [27]. The ulnar styloid nonunion should be treated as a bony nonunion and be reattached to the ulnar head if the fragment is large [27], [28] (Fig. 9).

Does ulnar styloid fracture need surgery?

While distal radius fractures usually require realignment, a cast, or surgery, ulnar styloid fractures themselves usually don't require treatment.