Treatment of Radial Styloid Nondisplaced Fracture

Initial Management and Rehabilitation

• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends applying ice at 3 and 5 days post-injury for symptomatic relief 3, 1
• Begin active finger motion exercises immediately upon diagnosis to prevent stiffness, which is one of the most functionally disabling complications of distal radius fractures 1, 2

Adjunctive Treatments

• Consider low-intensity ultrasound for short-term improvement in pain and radiographic union, though long-term benefits remain unproven 3, 1
• Consider vitamin C supplementation for prevention of disproportionate pain (moderate strength recommendation) 4

Follow-Up Protocol and Complications

• Obtain radiographic follow-up at 3 weeks to assess healing and rule out secondary displacement 1, 2
• If an associated ulnar styloid fracture is present, it typically does not require separate fixation, as studies show no significant difference in outcomes between treatment and non-treatment when the radius fracture is properly managed 4, 2