Translocation of the fifth finger by intracarpal osteotomy.

We present an original technique of transposition of the fifth ray by intracarpal osteotomy. After a review of various techniques and their disadvantages, the principles of the procedure are described. It includes a resection of the whole fourth ray and translocation of the fifth ray following a wedge-shaped osteotomy of the lateral aspect of the hamate, and an arthrodesis between the capitate and the hamate. The details of this operation are presented. Seventeen cases are reported with a follow-up ranging from 17 months to 34 months, and the results are analyzed.