Ulnar styloid impaction syndrome

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 18 Jan 2023

Ulnar styloid impaction syndrome refers to wrist pain due to a long ulnar styloid process impacting upon the triquetral bone.

An ulnar styloid >6 mm in length is commonly regarded as being long. Impaction results in chondromalacia of the opposing articular surfaces, i.e. the proximal pole of the triquetral bone and ulnar styloid tip.

Chronic impaction can lead to lunotriquetral instability. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is usually intact. 

Surgical removal of the ulnar styloid process can effectively treat the condition.

A similar but distinct impaction syndrome due to non-union of the ulnar styloid (commonly following fracture) can also occur. This syndrome more commonly involves disruption of the TFCC complex.

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