title: A new index for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relation between a new index we created for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid, and the clinical outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We devised a radiographic separation index (RSI), to evaluate the displacement of the ulnar styloid. We used this index in 44 patients (28 men and 16 women; mean age: 43.2 years; range: 24-64 years) with distal radius fractures involving the the ulnar styloid. In all cases, the distal radius fracture was fixed using a volar locking plate. The styloid fracture was treated conservatively. The relation between the RSI value and clinical results was then investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the 44 patients there were clinically 38 excellent, 4 good, and 2 moderate results. RSI ratios ranged from 2% to 11%. The patients with an excellent result had an RSI ratio of less than 5%. We found a significant correlation between the RSI ratio values and the clinical outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggested that the RSI can be used as a predictor of the clinical outcome in patients with distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey. haldunorhun@hotmail.com
authors: Haldun
authors: H
authors: Orhun
authors: Muhsin
authors: M
authors: Dursun
authors: Volkan
authors: V
authors: Gürkan
authors: Ender
authors: E
authors: Sarıoğlu
authors: Güray
authors: G
authors: Altun
authors: Ozan
authors: O
authors: Akça
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*