This type of fracture is rare. When falling with the palm hitting the ground, the impact force acts on the distal end of the radius through the scaphoid, causing a transverse fracture of the radial styloid. It can also be caused by direct impact, such as a car crank rebounding and causing injury. Additionally, forceful ulnar deviation of the wrist joint and strong traction of the radial collateral ligament can lead to an avulsion fracture of the radial styloid. The fracture fragment is small and displaced distally. Fractures of the ulnar styloid are often related to ligament traction and are frequently associated with Colles fractures, though they can also occur independently.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Local swelling, pain, and tenderness are evident, and bone crepitus can be palpated. Subcutaneous static blood is present, and in severe cases, there is intra-articular hemorrhage in the wrist joint, leading to restricted wrist movement.

A fracture of the radial styloid process is difficult to see on lateral X-ray images. On an anteroposterior X-ray, a transverse fracture line can be observed, starting at the intersection of the scaphoid and lunate articular surfaces and extending outward to the apex of the radial styloid process, approximately 1 cm away. In the case of a fracture of the ulnar styloid process, a grade I displacement can be seen.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

There is a displaced radial styloid fracture. By applying traction to the ulnar-deviated wrist joint and pushing the displaced fracture fragment towards the ulnar side, satisfactory reduction can be achieved. A short-arm gypsum cast can be used for fixation for 3-4 weeks. If the reduction is unstable or there is re-displacement, Kirschner wires or screws can be used for fixation.