Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42661215›Full record

ArticleJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2026

A biomechanical comparison of closed-reduction osteosynthesis techniques for fractures of the ulnar styloid.

Jonas Eck, Inska Onken, Julian P Maier, Kilian Reising, Nikos Karvouniaris, Jörg Bayer, Hagen Schmal, Ferdinand C Wagner

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Jonas EckDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. jonas.eck@uniklinik-freiburg.de.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1245-6144
Inska OnkenDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Julian P MaierDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Kilian ReisingDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Nikos KarvouniarisDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Jörg BayerDepartment of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Schwarzwald-Baar Hospital, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.
Hagen SchmalDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Ferdinand C WagnerDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundUlnar styloid fractures (USF) are frequently underestimated and can contribute to clinically relevant wrist instability and impaired functional outcomes. Several osteosynthesis techniques are available for the treatment of unstable USF. This study aims to compare the biomechanical stability of fixation methods applicable to closed reduction - specifically K-wire and headless compression screw fixation - to support clinical decision-making.

methodsThis biomechanical in vitro study was conducted using 30 specimens of artificial ulnae. USF were simulated through a standardized osteotomy at the base. Three groups of ten specimens each were created to compare three methods of osteosynthesis: One 1.4 mm (mm) Kirschner-wire (K-wire) (Group 1KW), two 1.0 K-wires (Group 2KW) or one 2.0 cannulated headless screw (Group CHS). Each construct underwent 1,000 load cycles up to 50 newtons (N) followed by load-to-failure testing, which was defined as displacement ≥ 2 mm. Displacement [mm], stiffness [N/mm] and load to failure [N] were recorded and compared among the groups.

resultsThe mean fracture displacement after 1,000 cycles was 0.58 mm (SD 0.37) in the 1KW group, 0.23 mm (SD 0.09) in the 2KW group and 0.09 mm (SD 0.03) in the CHS group. Significant group differences could be shown between CHS and 1KW (p < 0.01) as well as between CHS and 2KW (p = 0.017). The mean construct stiffness was 269.95 (SD 45.72) N/mm in the 1KW group, 484.08 (SD 207.60) N/mm in the 2KW group and 730.95 (SD 241.42) N/mm in the CHS group. Significant group differences could be shown between CHS and 1KW (p < 0.01). The mean load-to-failure was 136.82 (SD 68.86) N in the 1KW group, 181.60 (SD 28.09) N in the 2KW group and 204.17 (SD 63.10) N in the CHS group. Significant group differences could be shown between CHS and 1KW (p = 0.013).

conclusionUlnar styloid refixation with a headless compression screw provides superior axial stability compared to single or double K-wire fixation. This should be considered in the treatment of unstable USF.

Indexed as

Fracture Fixation, InternalUlna FracturesWrist FracturesBiomechanical PhenomenaBone ScrewsBone WiresHumansBiomechanicsFractureHand surgeryHeadless compression screwTrauma surgeryUlnar styloidWrist

Identifiers

PMID42661215
PMCPMC13523202

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.