Surgical intervention for distal radial fractures with concurrent ulnar styloid fractures may be beneficial for the elderly patients: a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background Distal radius fractures are highly prevalent among older adults. Ulnar styloid fractures frequently accompany distal radius fractures, raising concerns about treatment outcomes due to the risk of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. This study investigated the necessity of surgical intervention (open reduction internal fixation; ORIF) for distal radius fractures in very old patients with coexisting ulnar styloid fractures. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of 96 patients aged ≥ 80 years with AO classification 23-A2 to 23-B3 distal radius fractures with concomitant ulnar styloid fracture between 2019 and 2022 was performed. Patients were excluded if they were aged 0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that very old patients with distal radius fracture accompanied by ulnar styloid fractures may benefit from ORIF to achieve optimal long-term functional recovery.

Keywords

• Distal radius fractures
• Distal ulna fractures
• Distal radioulnar joint instability
• Elderly