Pathology
The distal end of the ulna is rarely fractured(broken) in isolation except in cases of direct trauma, like a gunshot wound or a direct blow to the ulna occurs when the arm is elevated to protect the face.
The ulnar styloid is a small extension of the distal ulna and is where the distal radioulnar ligaments attached. In contrast to the ulnar bone shaft, the ulnar styloid is frequently fractured in association with distal radius fractures.
Treatment
The treatment of the ulnar styloid fracture depends on the stability the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) demonstrated once the radial fracture has been fixed.
When an ulnar styloid fracture is associated with DRUJ instability, the ulnar styloid fracture is most commonly fixed with pins and a wire, called a tension band technique.
DRUJ instability will affect the normal function of the wrist and presents a significant challenge to reconstruct if missed initially.