J Wrist Surg 2019; 08(03): 240-244
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1673408
Case Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Bilateral Ulnar Styloid Impaction Syndrome Treated with Ulnar Styloidectomy

Kyle A. Scarano
1   Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
2   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
,
Stephane Owusu-Sarpong
2   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
3   Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY Albany, Albany, New York
,
Michael T. Mulligan
2   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

05 July 2018

27 August 2018

Publication Date:
29 October 2018 (online)

Abstract

Background Ulnar styloid impaction syndrome (USIS) is produced by the tip of an oversized ulnar styloid inappropriately contacting the triquetrum. This condition results in chondromalacia, synovitis, and ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Case Description We report a rare case of bilateral USIS that presented with a prolonged course. The patient's symptoms resolved in both wrists following two separate ulnar styloidectomy procedures.

Literature Review Our case differs from previous reports in that it involves a patient whose own history of USIS led to a timelier diagnosis of the same disease in the contralateral wrist. To the best of our knowledge, there are no prior reports of bilateral USIS.

Clinical Relevance USIS remains an uncommon cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and a particularly difficult diagnosis to confirm. Here, we illustrate that this syndrome can be confidently approached using a combination of careful attention to patient history, physical examination, and various imaging methods.

Note

This investigation was conducted at the Albany Medical Center and the Capital Region Bone and Joint Center, which are located in Albany, NY.


 
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