[Decompression of the ulnar wrist joint compartment by decompression osteotomy of the head of the ulna].

Both post-traumatic shortening of the radius and positive ulnar variance can lead to a compression syndrome in the ulnar compartment of the wrist. The indication for a decompression osteotomy of the ulnar head after a distal radius fracture is limited to only those cases in which there is a slight shortening without a deviation of the axis of the distal radius. In order to enlarge the space between the ulnar head and proximal row of the carpal bones, a 2 to 3 mm slice is taken from the ulnar head by means of two oblique, parallel osteotomies and fragment retention with two screws. 47 patients were re-examined after an average period of 3 1/2 (1 to 8) years. In 23 cases the results were very good and in 17 cases good. In five cases the results were poor. In two cases, the bone did not heal and the Kapandji-Sauvé procedure was performed.