Ulnar styloid process

The styloid process of the ulna is a bony prominence found at distal end of the ulna in the forearm.[1]

Ulnar styloid process
Bones of left forearm seen from front (ulnar styloid process labeled at bottom left)
Diagram of bones in the human arm
Details
Identifiers
LatinProcessus styloideus ulnae
TA98A02.4.06.017
TA21247
FMA23628
Anatomical terms of bone

Structure

The styloid process of the ulna projects from the medial and back part of the ulna. It descends a little lower than the head. The head is separated from the styloid process by a depression for the attachment of the apex of the triangular articular disk, and behind, by a shallow groove for the tendon of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle.

The styloid process of the ulnar varies in length between 2 mm and 6 mm.[1]

Function

The rounded end of the styloid process of the ulna connects to the ulnar collateral ligament of the wrist. The radioulnar ligaments also attaches to the base of the styloid process of the ulna.[2]

Clinical significance

Fractures of the styloid process of the ulna seldom require treatment when they occur in association with a distal radius fracture. The major exception is when the joint between these bones, the distal radioulnar joint (or DRUJ), is unstable. When the DRUJ is unstable, the ulnar styloid may require independent treatment.

An excessively long styloid process of the ulna can cause painful contact with the triquetral bone in the wrist, known as ulnar styloid impaction syndrome.[1] Radiology is used to diagnose it.[1] Conservative management involves injection of triamcinolone, while surgery involves shortening of the styloid process of the ulna via resection.[1]

The position of the styloid process of the ulna in relation to the wrist must be considered when applying a wrist splint.[3][4] This is important in preventing pressure ischaemia.[3]

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 218 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Ombregt, Ludwig (2013-01-01), Ombregt, Ludwig (ed.), "23 - Disorders of the wrist", A System of Orthopaedic Medicine (Third Edition), Churchill Livingstone, pp. 333–349.e3, doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-3145-8.00023-5, ISBN 978-0-7020-3145-8, retrieved 2020-12-12
  2. Campbell, Douglas A. (2009-01-01), Slutsky, David J.; Osterman, A. Lee (eds.), "CHAPTER 28 - Ulnar Head and Styloid Fractures", Fractures and Injuries of the Distal Radius and Carpus, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 297–307, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-4083-5.00030-5, ISBN 978-1-4160-4083-5, retrieved 2020-12-12
  3. Fess, Elaine Ewing; Gettle, Karan S.; Philips, Cynthia A.; Janson, J. Robin, eds. (2005-01-01), "CHAPTER 10 - Principles of Fit", Hand and Upper Extremity Splinting (Third Edition), Saint Louis: Mosby, pp. 252–277, doi:10.1016/b978-080167522-5.50015-0, ISBN 978-0-8016-7522-5, retrieved 2020-12-12
  4. Fess, Elaine Ewing; Gettle, Karan S.; Philips, Cynthia A.; Janson, J. Robin, eds. (2005-01-01), "CHAPTER 20 - Analysis of Splints", Hand and Upper Extremity Splinting (Third Edition), Saint Louis: Mosby, pp. 539–574, doi:10.1016/b978-080167522-5.50025-3, ISBN 978-0-8016-7522-5, retrieved 2020-12-12


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