Radial Styloid Fractures

Radial styloid fractures occur following forced radial deviation. They were called “backfire fractures” in the period when they were sustained by turning the crankshafts of old cars to ignite the sparkplugs. Most radial styloid fractures are isolated injuries, are undisplaced, and require only protection until they heal. If displacement occurs in this intraarticular fracture, it must be restored in order to preserve joint congruity. If such a fracture requires open reduction, screw fixation is an excellent means of stabilization (Fig. 36-1 A Fig. 36-1 B Fig. 36-1 C Fig. 36-1 D E-Q and 36-2 A-D).