Magnesium Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation of Radial Styloid Fractures: Case Report

Background  Several types of fixation materials may be used for the radial styloid fractures such as Kirschner wire fixation, screw fixation, volar plate fixation, and fragment-specific radial buttress plate fixation. However, each of these fixation techniques has certain complications usually related to either the surgical dissection or the application of fixation and symptomatic permanent hardware. Implant removal secondary to irritation of prominent screw heads or bulky plates is not uncommon after radial styloid fracture fixation. Case Description  Herein, two patients with an isolated radial styloid fracture who were treated with bioabsorbable magnesium (alloy: MgYREZr) screws are presented. In both patients, the fracture union was achieved without any complication and need for implant removal. Literature Review  This is the first report on the use of magnesium screws for this indication. Clinical Relevance  Magnesium bioabsorbable compression screw fixation may be an alternative solution that eliminates removal operations due to symptomatic hardware in radial styloid fractures.