Persistent ulnar styloid ossicle

Case contributed by Amir Mahmud
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Patient presented with a history of recent trauma to the wrist, with tenderness on flexion and extension and mild swelling.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years old
Gender: Female
x-ray

There is a well corticated, unfused ossicle with smooth margins noted at the usual location of the ulnar styloid process, which is representative of a persistent ulnar styloid ossicle.

Case Discussion

The Persistent ulnar styloid ossicle is a variant formed when the ulnar styloid process fails to unite with the rest of the ulna bone. It is usually identified by the presence of smooth, well corticated margins all round, without any associated surrounding soft tissue swelling. 

Also, a little unlike an Os triangulare, it is related more closely to the rest of the distal ulna, rather than be found anywhere between the ulnar styloid process, lunate and triquetral bones.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.