JAAOS - 2026-03-11 - Journal Article
Comparison of Radial Styloid Fracture Fixation Using a Radial Plate Versus a Cannulated Screw.
Abdel Fattah HAH, Yusuf Nor Gedi I
Topics
Key Takeaway
Cannulated screw fixation for isolated radial styloid fractures achieved faster union (6.7 vs 7.6 weeks) and shorter operative time (34.4 vs 50.6 minutes) compared to radial plate fixation.
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Summary
This retrospective study compared cannulated screw (n=10) versus radial plate (n=10) fixation for isolated radial styloid fractures in 20 patients with mean age 37.6 years. Screw fixation demonstrated significantly shorter operative time (34.4 vs 50.6 min, P<0.05) and faster radiographic union (6.7 vs 7.6 weeks, P<0.05). Complication rates were low and statistically comparable, with transient superficial radial neuritis occurring in 10% of each group and implant irritation/extensor tendinitis in 10% of the plate group only.
Key Limitation
With only 10 patients per group, the study is critically underpowered to draw reliable conclusions about complication rates or to detect clinically meaningful differences in functional outcomes.
Original Abstract
PURPOSE
Radial styloid fractures may occur in isolation or as part of complex intra-articular distal radius injuries. Fixation can be achieved using either a cannulated screw or a radial plate. This study aimed to compare these two fixation techniques with respect to surgical time, fracture union, and postoperative complications in patients with isolated radial styloid fractures, thereby eliminating confounding factors related to associated injuries.
METHODS
Between 2024 and 2025, a retrospective study was conducted involving 20 patients (mean age, 37.6 ± 6.9 years) with isolated radial styloid fractures. Patients were assigned to undergo open reduction and internal fixation using either a cannulated screw (group A, n = 10) or a radial plate (group B, n = 10). All patients were followed for 6 months. The primary outcomes included surgical time, fracture union, and postoperative complications.
RESULTS
Group A demonstrated a markedly shorter surgical time than group B (34.4 ± 2.4 minutes vs 50.6 ± 3.9 minutes; P < 0.05) and achieved faster fracture union (6.7 ± 0.7 weeks vs 7.6 ± 1.0 weeks; P < 0.05). Temporary extensor tendinitis and implant irritation occurred slightly more frequently in group B (10% vs 0%), although this difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of transient superficial radial neuritis was similar between the groups (10%).
CONCLUSION
Cannulated screw fixation for isolated radial styloid fractures is a reliable and efficient alternative to radial plate fixation. It provides shorter surgical time, earlier fracture union, and comparable complication rates while minimizing soft-tissue dissection.