A comparison of ulnar shortening osteotomy alone versus combined arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome

Outcomes of Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy with an Intramedullary Bone Graft for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Background

Although several techniques for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) have been introduced, there have still been reports on various complications such as delayed union, nonunion, refracture, wrist pain, plate irritation, and chronic regional pain syndrome. This study aimed to compare the differences in radiological and clinical outcomes of patients in which intramedullary bone grafting was performed in addition to plate stabilization with those without additional bone grafting during ulnar shortening osteotomies (USOs).

Methods

Between November 2014 and June 2021, 53 wrists of 50 patients with idiopathic UIS were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether intramedullary bone grafting was performed. Among the 53 wrists, USO with an intramedullary bone graft was performed in 21 wrists and USO without an intramedullary bone graft was performed in 32 wrists. Demographic data and factors potentially associated with bone union time were analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference between the 2 groups when comparing postoperative radioulnar distance, postoperative ulnar variance, amount of ulnar shortening, and postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Compared to the without-intramedullary bone graft group, bone union time of the osteotomy site was significantly shortened, from 8.8 ± 3.0 weeks to 6.7 ± 1.3 weeks in the with-intramedullary bone graft group. Moreover, there were no cases of nonunion or plate-induced symptoms. Both in univariable and multivariable analyses, intramedullary bone grafting was associated with shorter bone union time.

Conclusions

USO with an intramedullary bone graft for idiopathic UIS has favorable radiological and clinical outcomes. The advantage of this technique is the significant shortening of bone union time.

Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

Aims

The study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement and partial excision in patients with traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and to identify prognostic factors associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients arthroscopically diagnosed with Palmer 1 A lesions who underwent arthroscopic debridement and partial excision from March 2009 to February 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The poor outcome group was defined as patients whose preoperative and last follow-up clinical score difference was less than the minimal clinically important difference of the DASH score (10.83). Baseline characteristics, arthroscopic findings, and radiological factors (ulnar variance, MRI, or arthrography) were evaluated to predict poor clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean follow-up period of 29.8 months (SD 14.4). The mean DASH score improved from 36.5 (SD 21.5) to 16.7 (SD 14.3), the mean MWS from 59.7 (SD 17.9) to 79.3 (SD 14.3), and the mean VAS pain score improved from 5.9 (SD 1.8) to 2.2 (SD 2.0) at the last follow-up (all p < 0.001). Among the 114 patients, 16 (14%) experienced poor clinical outcomes and ten (8.8%) required secondary ulnar shortening osteotomy. Positive ulnar variance was the only factor significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes (p < 0.001). Positive ulnar variance was present in 38 patients (33%); among them, eight patients (21%) required additional operations.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic debridement alone appears to be an effective and safe initial treatment for patients with traumatic central TFCC tears. The presence of positive ulnar variance was associated with poor clinical outcomes, but close observation after arthroscopic debridement is more likely to be recommended than ulnar shortening osteotomy as a primary treatment.

Results of isolated ulnar shaft shortening osteotomy in the treatment of idiopathic ulnocarpal impaction syndrome

The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of isolated ulnar shaft shortening osteotomy (USSO) in the treatment of idiopathic ulnocarpal impingement syndrome. This was a two-center retrospective study. All patients older than 18 years who underwent isolated USSO for idiopathic ulnocarpal impingement syndrome between 2006 and 2016 were included. The outcome measures were: patient satisfaction, decrease in pain intensity, change in occupation, QuickDASH and PRWE functional scores, secondary palliative surgery suggesting failure of the ulnar shaft shortening osteotomy, and postoperative ulnar variance. The main complications were analyzed. Thirty-one patients were included. Twenty-six (84%) were satisfied with the procedure. At an average follow-up of 62 months, there was no secondary palliative surgery. Mean pain intensity on VAS was 7/10 (range, 2-10) and 1.7/10 (range, 0-6) preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively, for a mean decrease of 5.3 ± 2.6 points; this decrease was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). None of the manual workers had to alter their work. Mean postoperative QuickDASH score was 19.6/100 (range, 0-79.55) and mean postoperative PRWE score was 23/100 (range, 1-85). Mean postoperative ulnar variance was -0.5 mm. As for complications, 61% of patients (n = 19/31) had discomfort related to the plate; 9.7% (n = 3/31) had distal radioulnar osteoarthritis; 4% (n = 1/19) had a fracture after hardware removal; 13% (n = 4/31) had non-union. Despite a high rate of complications, the study confirmed the effectiveness, in terms of pain, of isolated USSO in the treatment of idiopathic ulnocarpal impingement syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective cohort.

Distal Radius Physeal Bar and Ulnar Overgrowth: Indications for Treatment

BACKGROUND

Distal radius physeal bar with associated growth arrest can occur because of fractures, ischemia, infection, radiation, tumor, blood dyscrasias, and repetitive stress injuries. The age of the patient as well as the size, shape, and location of the bony bridge determines the deformity and associated pathology that will develop.

METHODS

A search of the English literature was performed using PubMed and multiple search terms to identify manuscripts dealing with the evaluation and treatment of distal radius physeal bars and ulnar overgrowth. Single case reports and level V studies were excluded.

RESULTS

Manuscripts evaluating distal radial physeal bars and their management were identified. A growth discrepancy between the radius and ulna can lead to distal radioulnar joint instability, ulnar impaction, and degenerative changes in the carpus and triangular fibrocartilage complex. Advanced imaging aids in the evaluation and mapping of a physeal bar. Treatment options for distal radius physeal bars include observation, bar resection±interposition, epiphysiodeses of the ulna±completion epiphysiodesis of the radius, ulnar shortening osteotomy±diagnostic arthroscopy to manage associated triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology, radius osteotomy, and distraction osteogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision-making when presented with a distal radius physeal bar is multifactorial and should incorporate the age and remaining growth potential of the patient, the size and location of the bar, and patient and family expectations.

An In Vitro Study to Determine the Effect of Ulnar Shortening on Distal Forearm Loading During Wrist and Forearm Motion: Implications in the Treatment of Ulnocarpal Impaction

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of ulnar shortening on distal forearm loading following simulated dynamic motion.

METHODS

Ulnar shortening was simulated using a custom-built adjustable implant to simulate up to 4 mm of ulnar shortening (-4 mm) in 9 cadaveric extremities. Load cells were placed in the distal ulna and radius to quantify axial loading. Using a wrist and forearm motion simulator, absolute and percentage loads were measured during dynamic flexion, ulnar deviation (UD), flexion dart throw (DT), and pronation.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in absolute and percentage distal ulnar loads at each interval of ulnar shortening during flexion, UD, DT, and pronation. The distal ulna bore no compressive loads, and in fact, tensile loads were measured in the ulna at 2 mm of ulnar shortening during DT and pronation, at 3 mm during flexion, and at 4 mm during UD.

CONCLUSIONS

A progressive decrease in distal ulnar loads with generation of tensile loads was observed with sequential ulnar shortening.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ulnar shortening greater than 2 mm can result in tensile loading in the distal ulna. When managing ulnar impaction syndrome, excessive shortening may not be required to provide relief of symptoms.

Nonunion Rates Among Ulnar-Shortening Osteotomy for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to systematically review all available literature reporting nonunion rates of ulnar-shortening osteotomies (USO) used for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) and to compare those rates among transverse versus oblique cuts for the osteotomy.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies that evaluated outcomes of both transverse and oblique USO for UIS. Level of evidence was determined by 2 independent reviewers. Studies were screened based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. A total of 37 studies (1,423 patients) were included in final analysis. The average rate of nonunion and delayed union for each group (transverse and oblique osteotomy) was calculated.

RESULTS

The average rate of nonunion among all osteotomies was 4.0%. The average rate of nonunion was 4.16% and 3.86% in transverse osteotomies and oblique osteotomies, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant. The average rate of delayed union, in those studies that reported delayed union, was 5.7%. The average rate of delayed union was 7.41% and 4.1% in transverse osteotomies and oblique osteotomies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our review of the literature, there is no difference in the rate of nonunion between transverse and oblique osteotomies. Therefore, the decision of which of the 2 surgical techniques should not be based on rate of nonunion.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Therapeutic interventions for osteoarthritis of the wrist: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In order to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for osteoarthritis of the wrist in adults we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO databases were searched from inception to 25 th April  2018.All randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and any prospective studies of adults with wrist osteoarthritis investigating any intervention with a comparator were included.  Data were extracted and checked for accuracy and completeness by pairs of reviewers. Primary outcomes were pain and function. Comparative treatment effects were analysed by random effects at all time points. Results: Three RCTs were identified for inclusion after screening and all had a high risk of bias. Two compared proximal row carpectomy (PRC) with four corner fusion (4CF) for post-traumatic osteoarthritis, while the other compared leather with commercial wrist splints in patients with chronic wrist pain, of which a small group had wrist osteoarthritis.  Conclusion: There is no prospective study comparing operative to non-operative treatment for wrist osteoarthritis, while there is a paucity of prospective studies assessing the effectiveness of both non-operative and operative interventions.  Further research is necessary in order to better define which patients benefit from which specific interventions. Registration: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42018094799.

Therapeutic interventions for osteoarthritis of the wrist: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In order to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for osteoarthritis of the wrist in adults we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO databases were searched from inception to 25 th April  2018.All randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and any prospective studies of adults with wrist osteoarthritis investigating any intervention with a comparator were included.  Data were extracted and checked for accuracy and completeness by pairs of reviewers. Primary outcomes were pain and function. Comparative treatment effects were analysed by random effects at all time points. Results: Three RCTs were identified for inclusion after screening and all had a high risk of bias. Two compared proximal row carpectomy (PRC) with four corner fusion (4CF) for post-traumatic osteoarthritis, while the other compared leather with commercial wrist splints in patients with chronic wrist pain, of which a small group had wrist osteoarthritis.  Conclusion: There is no prospective study comparing operative to non-operative treatment for wrist osteoarthritis, while there is a paucity of prospective studies assessing the effectiveness of both non-operative and operative interventions.  Further research is necessary in order to better define which patients benefit from which specific interventions. Registration: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42018094799.

Radiological degenerative changes in the distal radioulnar joint after ulnar shortening osteotomy in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome: Analysis of factors affecting degenerative lesions

PURPOSE

To identify factors influencing overall radiologic changes in the distal radioulnar joint after ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 310 patients who had undergone USO between May 2007 and December 2013 were included in this retrospective case-control study. The patients were classified into two groups (with or without radiologic findings of new arthritic changes), after which the following factors were analyzed: 1) demographic factors; 2) radiologic aspects, including ulnar variance (UV), morphological DRUJ type (classified according to Tolat et al.), and union period after USO; and 3) operative aspects, including the triangular fibrocartilage complex degeneration type, use of a parallel double-blade saw, type of plate used for fixation, and plate position on the volar or dorsal ulnar surface.

RESULTS

Group 1 (no arthritic changes) consisted of 243 patients, whereas Group 2 (arthritic changes) consisted of 67 patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the presence of lunate cystic changes, amount of shortening, and the union period were significantly associated with newly developed arthritic changes in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) after USO. The morphological DRUJ type was not a significant factor. Arthritic changes were significantly more prevalent in patients with a shortening amount >4.5 mm and a union period <3.25 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiologic arthritic changes after USO, were associated with the presence of cystic changes in the lunate, a shortening amount (>4.5 mm), and early bony union (<3.25 months).

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level III.

Metaphyseal Versus Diaphyseal Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy for Treatment of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes and complication rates of diaphyseal and metaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomies for the treatment of ulnar abutment syndrome.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study comparing 35 patients who underwent either a metaphyseal (n = 14) or diaphyseal (n = 21) osteotomy. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared. Complication rates including infection, hardware removal, and reoperations were also assessed.

RESULTS

There were no differences in patient characteristics, ulnar variance, or pain and functional scores between groups. Metaphyseal osteotomy surgery time was shorter (45.5 vs 71.7 minutes) and resulted in greater ulnar shortening (4.8 vs 3.4 mm) compared with diaphyseal osteotomies. At an average 19.2-month follow-up, metaphyseal osteotomies were associated with greater improvement in pain and Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores. The need for implant removal was the same in both groups. There were no complications in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study suggest that metaphyseal osteotomies are a safe and effective alternative to diaphyseal osteotomies for the management of ulnar abutment syndrome. Although improved surgical time and postoperative outcomes are encouraging, further large-scale and properly powered studies with long-term outcomes will help characterize the benefit of one technique over another. Ultimately, the decision between a metaphyseal and diaphyseal osteotomy may be surgeon preference.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Microfracture for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: Surgical Technique and Outcomes with Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess functional and patient-reported outcomes after lunate microfracture for management of lunate chondral lesions in the setting of ulnar impaction syndrome. Methods This was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing wrist arthroscopy for triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology by one surgeon from 2007 until 2010. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores were assessed preoperatively and at minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient-rated wrist evaluation and bilateral wrist range of motion, grip strength, and key pinch strength were assessed at final follow-up. Results A total of 22 patients underwent microfracture of the carpus during the study period, of which 7 met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mean DASH scores improved significantly (p < 0.001), from 58.3 (standard deviation: 13.5) before the procedure to 15.1 (standard deviation: 8.6) at minimum 2-year follow-up. Operative wrist pronation and supination showed equivalence with the contralateral wrist at final follow-up (p < 0.05, E = 15 degrees, standard deviation pronation: 3.25, supination: 3.49). Discussion This study suggests that lunate microfracture may be a useful technique for treating articular defects of the lunate in the setting of ulnar impaction syndrome. Type of Study/Level of Evidence Therapeutic, level IV.

The Outcomes of Arthroscopic Repair Versus Debridement for Chronic Unstable Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears in Patients Undergoing Ulnar-Shortening Osteotomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the results of arthroscopic peripheral repair (AR) and arthroscopic debridement (AD) for the treatment of chronic unstable triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in ulnar-positive patients undergoing ulnar-shortening osteotomy (USO).

METHODS

A total of 31 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatments combined with USO for unstable TFCC tears and were followed-up at a minimum of 24 months were included in this retrospective cohort study. Fifteen patients were treated with AR, and 16 patients were treated with AD while at the same time undergoing a USO. Outcome measures included wrist range of motion, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores, and overall outcomes according to the modified Mayo wrist scoring system. In addition, a stress test to assess distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability was performed before and after surgery to compare the 2 cohorts.

RESULTS

Both respective cohorts showed significant improvements in grip strength and subjective scores at the final follow-up. Grip strength, DASH, and PRWE scores were better in the AR group than in the AD group. The recovery rate from DRUJ instability observed during the preoperative examination was superior in the AR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both AD and AR of the TFCC combined with USO are reliable procedures with satisfactory clinical outcomes for unstable TFCC tears in ulnar-positive patients. However, AR of the TFCC is suggested if DRUJ stability is concomitantly compromised.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

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 After Distal Radius Fracture Malunion: Review of Literature

Malunion of distal radius fracture is often complicated with shortening of the radius with disturbed radio- ulnar variance, frequently associated with lesions of triangular fibrocartilage complex and instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Positive ulnar variance may result in wrist pain located in ulnar part of the joint, limited ulnar deviation and forearm rotation with development of degenerative changes due to the overloading that occurs between the ulnar head and corresponding carpus. Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is the standard procedure for correcting positive ulnar variance. Goal of this procedure is to minimize the symptoms by restoring the neutral radio - ulnar variance. In this paper we present a variety of surgical techniques available for ulnar shorthening osteotomy, their advantages and drawbacks. Methods of ulnar shortening osteotomies are divided into intraarticular and extraarticular. Intraarticular method of ulnar shortening can be performed arthroscopically or through open approach. Extraarticular methods include subcapital osteotomy and osteotomy of ulnar diaphysis, which depending on shape can be transverse, oblique, and step cut. All of those osteotomies can be performed along wrist arthroscopy in order to dispose and treat possibly existing triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. At the end we described surgical procedures that can be done in case of ulnar shorthening osteotomy failure.

Ulnar impaction syndrome with different operative methods: a comparative biomechanical study

OBJECTIVE

Ulnar impaction syndrome seriously impairs wrist and hand function. Three main treatment procedures are available; however, little systematic research on the post-operation changes in wrist biomechanics currently exists. This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of these procedures and the optimal treatment methods for ulnar impaction syndrome.

METHODS

Twenty-four cases of fresh upper limb specimens were randomized into four groups: (1) the control group, (2) the ulnar-shortening operation group, (3) the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure group (distal radioulnar arthrodesis and intentional distal ulnar pseudoarthrosis), and (4) the Darrach procedure group (distal ulna resection). After keeping the wrist in a neutral position, a pressure sensitive film was applied. Starting at 0 N, the load was increased gradually at a speed of 0.1 N/s until reaching 200 N and then maintained for 60 s by the CSS-44020 series biomechanical machine. Then, the pressure sensitive films from each group were measured, and the results were analyzed with SPSS software.

RESULTS

The mean pressure and force on the ulna in the groups followed a decreasing trend from the control group, Sauvé-Kapandji procedure group and ulnar-shortening operation group. The mean pressure of the scaphoid fossa and the force on distal aspect of the radius in the groups followed an increasing trend from the control group, Sauvé-Kapandji procedure group, ulnar-shortening operation group and Darrach procedure group. This study found no significant differences in the mean pressure of the scaphoid fossa and the force on distal aspect of the radius between the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure group and the ulnar-shortening operation group. The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure group showed the greatest mean pressure on lunate fossa.

CONCLUSIONS

In this comprehensive analysis of wrist biomechanics, the ulnar-shortening operation was superior to the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure and Darrach procedure, which adequately maintained the anatomical relationships of the wrist.

How does ulnar shortening osteotomy influence morphologic changes in the triangular fibrocartilage complex?

BACKGROUND

Ulnar shortening osteotomy often is indicated for treatment of injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). However, the effect of ulnar shortening osteotomy on the changes in shape of the TFCC is unclear. In our study, quantitative evaluations were performed using MRI to clarify the effect of ulnar shortening on triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) thickness attributable to disc regeneration of the TFC and TFC angle attributable to the suspension effect of ulnar shortening on the TFC.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purposes of this study were (1) to compare preoperative and postoperative TFC thickness and TFC angle on MR images to quantitatively evaluate the effect of ulnar shortening osteotomy on disc regeneration and the suspension effect on the TFC; and (2) to assess whether changes in TFC thickness and TFC angle correlated with the Mayo wrist score.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2008, 256 patients underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy for TFCC injuries. The minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 51 months; range, 24-210 months). A total of 79 patients (31%) with complete followup including preoperative and postoperative MR images and the Mayo wrist score was included in this retrospective study. Evaluation of the postoperative MR images and the Mayo wrist score were performed at the final followup. The remaining 177 patients did not undergo postoperative MRI, or they had a previous fracture, large tears of the disc proper, or were lost to followup. Two orthopaedists, one of whom performed the surgeries, measured the TFC thickness and the TFC angle on coronal MR images before and after surgery for each patient. Correlations of the percent change in the TFC thickness and the magnitude of TFC angle change with age, sex, postoperative MR images, extent of ulnar shortening, preoperative ulnar variance, and postoperative Mayo wrist score were assessed.

RESULTS

Stepwise regression analysis showed a correlation between the percent change in TFC thickness and preoperative ulnar variance (R2=0.21; β=-0.33; 95% CI, -0.11 to 0.01; p=0.01) and between the magnitude of change in the TFC angle and the extent of ulnar shortening (R2=0.18; β=-0.29; 95% CI, -5.8 to 0.29; p=0.03). The Mayo wrist score was not correlated with the percent change in TFC thickness or the magnitude of change in the TFC angle.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that, in patients with TFCC injury with a smaller preoperative ulnar variance, a high residual potential for regeneration in the disc proper was seen after ulnar shortening osteotomy, and correlated with the extent of ulnar shortening and the suspension effect on TFC. However, there was no correlation between disc regeneration or the suspension effect on TFC and the Mayo wrist score.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Physeal arrest of the distal radius

Fractures of the distal radius are among the most common pediatric fractures. Although most of these fractures heal without complication, some result in partial or complete physeal arrest. The risk of physeal arrest can be reduced by avoiding known risk factors during fracture management, including multiple attempts at fracture reduction. Athletes may place substantial compressive and shear forces across the distal radial physes, making them prone to growth arrest. Timely recognition of physeal arrest can allow for more predictable procedures to be performed, such as distal ulnar epiphysiodesis. In cases of partial arrest, physeal bar excision with interposition grafting can be performed. Once ulnar abutment is present, more invasive procedures may be required, including ulnar shortening osteotomy or radial lengthening.

Ulnar-sided wrist pain: evaluation and treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, ulnocarpal impaction syndrome, and lunotriquetral ligament tears

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper extremity disability. Presentation can vary from acute traumatic injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. Because of its overlapping anatomy, complex differential diagnosis, and varied treatment outcomes, the ulnar side of the wrist has been referred to as the "black box" of the wrist, and its pathology has been compared with low back pain. Common causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain include triangular fibrocartilaginous complex injuries, lunotriquetrial ligament injuries, and ulnar impaction syndrome.