Treatment Of Type ? Symptomatic Ulnar Styloid Nonunions With Reinsertion Of The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to introduce an alternative technique for the treatment of type ? symptomatic ulnar styloid nonunion by reinsertion of triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnar collateral ligament.Methods: From March 2009 to May 2017,45 patients suffered the type ? ulnar styloid nonunion were enrolled in this study.All the patients underwent subperiosteal resection of the ulnar styloid fragment and reinsertion of the TFCC and ulnar collateral ligament with an anchor.Outcome assessments included range of the motion of the wrist,grip strength,pain,and Mayo wrist score.The preoperative and postoperative parameters were compared.A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant difference.Result: The mean follow-up period was 21.66±7.93 months(range,12 to 26 months).At the final follow-up,the mean preoperative flexion and extension were 79.32±4.52° and 74.40±4.36°,respectively.The mean preoperative pain score,grip strength,Mayo wrist score were 32.48±4.00;23.88±8.38 kg,and 77.72±8.31,respectively.The mean postoperative flexion and extension of the wrist were 80.56±6.32° and 75.43±3.12°,respectively.The mean postoperative pain score,grip strength,Mayo wrist score were 12.41± 3.27,26.31±8.30 kg,and 90.71±7.97,respectively.There were significant differences with respect to pain,grip strength,and Mayo wrist score(P<0.05),but no significant differences with respect to range of motion of the wrist..Conclusion: In the treatment of type ? ulnar styloid nonunions,resection of the ulnar styloid fragment followed by reinsertion the TFCC and ulnar collateral ligament was a reliable alternative technique,resulting in satisfactory function of the wrist.