Ulnar styloid process nonunion and outcome in patients with a distal radius fracture: a meta-analysis of comparative clinical trials

Abstract

Purpose: There is no consensus on the relation between ulnar styloid process nonunion and outcome in patients with distal radius fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze whether patient-reported outcome is influenced by the nonunion of the accompanying ulnar styloid fracture in distal radius fracture patients.

Methods: A meta-analysis of published studies comparing outcomes after distal radius fractures with a united versus a non-united ulnar styloid process was performed. In addition, if provided by the authors, the raw data of these studies were pooled and analysed as one study. The outcome measures of the analyses included patient-reported outcome, functional outcome, grip-strength, pain, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability.

Results: Data from six comparative studies were included, concerning 365 patients with a distal radius fracture. One hundred and thirty-five patients with an ulnar styloid union were compared with 230 patients with a nonunion of the ulnar styloid. No significant differences were found between groups regarding any outcome measure.

Conclusion: Based on this meta-analysis, there is no relation between the nonunion of the ulnar styloid process and function in patients with a distal radius fracture.

Keywords: Distal radioulnar joint instability; Distal radius fracture; Nonunion; Outcome; Ulnar styloid process; Wrist fracture.