Hui-Kuang Huang1, Jung-Pan Wang2, Shih-Tien Wang3, Yi-Chao Huang3, Chien-Lin Liu3. 1. Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC; Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC. 2. Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Electronic address: jpwang@vghtpe.gov.tw. 3. Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ulnar shortening is a common and useful method for treating ulnar wrist pain from many causes. Many devices used to perform osteotomy have been introduced in the literature; however, the devices are not universally available. The standard freehand technique is still commonly used in clinical practice; however, it is associated with several complications and is time-consuming. We present a freehand technique for ulnar-shortening osteotomy using a predrilled hole method. METHODS: From 2011 to 2013, we performed the predrilled hole method for ulnar shortening in 18 cases using the six-hole limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and in two cases using the Acumed six-hole Locking Midshaft Ulna Plate. RESULTS: All patients had uneventful union, and the average operative time was 39.7 minutes (range, 32-50 minutes). The average follow-up period was 21 months (range, 12-30 months). There were no complications except in three patients in the LC-DCP group who complained of implant irritation. Good functional outcomes were achieved with this method. CONCLUSION: Our technique is easy and quick to use and can minimize soft-tissue manipulation. The union rate is high and complications are few.
BACKGROUND: Ulnar shortening is a common and useful method for treating ulnar wrist pain from many causes. Many devices used to perform osteotomy have been introduced in the literature; however, the devices are not universally available. The standard freehand technique is still commonly used in clinical practice; however, it is associated with several complications and is time-consuming. We present a freehand technique for ulnar-shortening osteotomy using a predrilled hole method. METHODS: From 2011 to 2013, we performed the predrilled hole method for ulnar shortening in 18 cases using the six-hole limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and in two cases using the Acumed six-hole Locking Midshaft Ulna Plate. RESULTS: All patients had uneventful union, and the average operative time was 39.7 minutes (range, 32-50 minutes). The average follow-up period was 21 months (range, 12-30 months). There were no complications except in three patients in the LC-DCP group who complained of implant irritation. Good functional outcomes were achieved with this method. CONCLUSION: Our technique is easy and quick to use and can minimize soft-tissue manipulation. The union rate is high and complications are few.