Translocation of the fifth finger by intracarpal osteotomy.

The author presents an original technique of transposition of the fifth ray by intracarpal osteotomy. After a review of the different techniques and their inconvenience, the author describes the principles of this procedures. It includes a resection of the whole fourth ray, and a 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 intervention are presented. 17 cases are reported with a follow-up ranging from 17 months to 34 months, and the results of which are analysed.