Cartilage-retaining wafer resection osteotomy of the distal ulna

Impaction Syndromes About the Wrist

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Impaction syndromes are frequently a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain and patient disability. Differentiating between these entities can be difficult due to significant overlap in their clinical presentations. This manuscript reviews the diagnosis and treatment of three different impaction syndromes: (1) ulnar impaction syndrome, (2) hamate arthrosis lunotriquetral ligament syndrome, and (3) triquetrohamate impaction syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

While non-operative treatment is always recommended upon initial presentation, the duration and extent of treatment are poorly defined. Diagnostic wrist arthroscopy usually confirms the clinical diagnosis and facilitates appropriate surgical management. Pain from ulnar impaction syndrome can be effectively treated with an ulnar shortening osteotomy, which unloads the ulnar aspect of the carpus, but complications have been reported secondary to hardware prominence and nonunion at the osteotomy site. Hamate arthrosis lunotriquetral ligament syndrome can be addressed by arthroscopically or openly excising the proximal pole of the hamate, while triquetrohamate impaction syndrome demands a debridement procedure with partial excision of the impinging triquetrum or hamate. In summary, impaction syndromes are underappreciated clinical entities but are known causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Maintaining a high index of suspicion will help to expedite appropriate non-operative and operative treatment. Surgical intervention-if needed-is often curative.

The Oblique Metaphyseal Shortening Osteotomy of the Distal Ulna: Surgical Technique and Results of Ten Patients

Background Ulnocarpal abutment is a common condition following distal radius fractures. There are different surgical methods of treatment for this pathology: open and arthroscopic wafer procedure or an ulnar shortening osteotomy. We describe an oblique metaphyseal shortening osteotomy of the distal ulna using two cannulated headless compression screws. We report the results of 10 patients treated with this method. Materials and Methods Out of 17 patients, 10 could be reviewed retrospectively for this study. Patient-rated outcomes were measured using the VAS (visual analogue scale) for pain, PRWHE (patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation) survey, and Quick-DASH (disability of arm, shoulder and hand) survey for functional outcomes. At the review we measured the range of motion (ROM) of the wrist (extension and flexion, ulnar and radial deviation, pronation and supination). Grip strength, pronation, and supination strength of the forearm was measured using a calibrated hydraulic dynamometer. ROM and strength of the affected wrist was compared with ROM and strength of the unaffected wrist. Surgical Procedure Oblique long metaphyseal osteotomy of the distal ulna (from proximal-ulnar to distal-radial), fixed with two cannulated headless compression screws. Results The average postoperative VAS score for pain was 23.71 (standard deviation [SD] of 30.41). The average postoperative PRWHE score was 32.55 (SD of 26.28). The average postoperative Quick-DASH score was 28.65 (SD of 27.21). The majority of patients had a comparable ROM and strength between the operated side and the non-operated side. Conclusion This surgical technique has the advantage of reducing the amount of hardware and to decrease the potential hinder caused by it on medium term. Moreover, the incision remains smaller, and the anatomic metaphyseal localization of the osteotomy potentially allows a better and rapid healing.

Operative treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome: a systematic review

This article critically and systematically reviews the surgical treatments for ulnar impaction syndrome. Three types of treatments currently exist: arthroscopic wafer procedure, open wafer procedure, and ulna shortening osteotomy. A total of 36 articles were included from searching the electronic databases PubMed MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE. Studies were evaluated for quality using the Modified Detsky Score. Of these, 14 articles had a Modified Detsky Score of 6/10 or higher. Satisfaction rates were 100% for arthroscopic wafer procedure, 89% for open wafer procedure, and 84% for ulna shortening osteotomy. The percentage of participants reporting an excellent or good outcome was 82% for arthroscopic wafer procedure, 87% for open wafer procedure, and 76% for ulna shortening osteotomy. In conclusion, available evidence shows that arthroscopic wafer procedure and open wafer procedure may be viable alternatives to the more popular ulna shortening osteotomy, but clinical superiority is yet to be established. Future research should focus on prospective cohort methods and should report participant outcomes using validated scoring methods.

Ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnar-sided wrist pain

Background The purpose of ulnar shortening osteotomy is literally to shorten the ulna. It can tighten the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), ulnocarpal ligaments, and interosseous membrane. Nowadays, this method is used to treat ulnar-sided wrist pain, for which we have also started to use a treatment algorithm. The purpose of this study was to review the long-term and clinical results based on our algorithm. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with ulnocarpal impaction syndrome after a minimum follow-up of 5 years (Group A) and then retrospectively evaluated 66 patients with recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain treated based on our algorithm (Group B). Description of Technique Ulnocarpal abutment was confirmed arthroscopically. The distal ulna was approached through a longitudinal incision between the extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris. We performed a transverse resection of the ulna fixed with a small locking compression plate. The contralateral side served as the reference for the length of shortening (mean, 2.4 mm; range, 1-5 mm). Disappearance of ulnar abutment was then confirmed again arthroscopically. Results (Group A) Most patients showed good long-term clinical results. About half of the patients showed a bony spur at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), but the clinical results did not significantly correlate with presence of bony spurs. Radiological parameters wre not related to the presence of bony spurs. (Group B) Twenty-four of the 66 patients investigated prospectively underwent an ulnar shortening osteotomy, with all showing good clinical results at 18 months postoperatively. Conclusions Ulnar shortening osteotomy can change the load of the ulnar side of the wrist and appears useful for ulnar-sided wrist pain in the presence of ulnar impaction. Level of evidence IV.

Clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic outcomes after ulnar shortening osteotomy: a long-term follow-up study

PURPOSE

Previous studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) in the treatment of ulnocarpal abutment syndrome (UCA), but none have used arthroscopic assessments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes of USO with patient-based, arthroscopic, and radiographic assessments.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with UCA after a minimum follow-up of 5 years, with arthroscopic evaluations at the time of both USO and plate removal. We confirmed the initial diagnosis of UCA by radiography and arthroscopy. Mean age at the time of index surgery was 37 years. Mean duration of follow-up was 11 years (range, 5-19 y). We obtained Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Hand20 self-assessments postoperatively for all patients. Bony spur formation was evaluated postoperatively from plain radiographs.

RESULTS

We detected triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disc tear in 13 wrists arthroscopically at the time of USO. Of these, 10 showed no evidence of TFCC disc tear at second-look arthroscopy. The remaining 17 cases showed no TFCC disc tear at either first- or second-look arthroscopy. Follow-up radiography revealed that bony spurs at the distal radioulnar joint had progressed in 13 wrists. Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand and Hand20 scores did not significantly correlate with the presence of bony spurs or TFCC disc tears. Range of motion decreased significantly with age only. Lower grip strength correlated with bony spur and lower radial inclination. Triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, male sex, and advanced age were associated with lower Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand and Hand20 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Ulnar shortening osteotomy achieved excellent long-term results in most cases. Most TFCC disc tears identified at the initial surgery had healed by long-term arthroscopic follow-up. We suggest that UCA with a TFCC disc tear is a good indication for USO.

The management of ulnocarpal abutment and degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex tears in the competitive athlete

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a frequent cause for loss of practice time and competitive play for athletes. Ulnocarpal abutment, a common source of ulnar-sided pain, typically burdens athletes who participate in gymnastics, racket sports, and baseball. Although many athletes respond to nonoperative management, surgical intervention should be considered when symptoms persist. Surgical options include arthroscopic debridement, arthroscopic wafer, open wafer, or ulnar-shortening osteotomy. Treatment should be tailored to the athletes' level of function, expectations, and goals. The timing of interventions also influences the treatment algorithm. A successful outcome can be anticipated when appropriate treatment is rendered.

Ulnar impaction

Ulnar impaction syndrome is a common source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. It is a degenerative condition that occurs secondary to excessive load across the ulnocarpal joint, resulting in a spectrum of pathologic changes and symptoms. It may occur in any wrist but is usually associated with positive ulnar variance, whether congenital or acquired. The diagnosis of ulnar impaction syndrome is made by clinical examination and is supported by radiographic studies. Surgery is indicated if nonoperative treatment fails. Although a number of alternatives exist, the 2 primary surgical options are ulnar-shortening osteotomy or partial resection of the distal dome of the ulna (wafer procedure). This article discusses the etiology of ulnar impaction syndrome, and its diagnosis and treatment.

Reconstruction of the distal ulna: instability, impaction, impingement, and arthrosis

A number of afflictions may affect the distal radioulnar joint that can lead to severe pain, disuse, dysfunction, and disability. The disorders that affect this small anatomic region are complex, have multifactorial etiologies, and can sometimes present difficult diagnostic and treatment options. This article presents an overview of recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions that affect the joint and surrounding bone and soft tissues.