Radial osteotomy for the correction of forearm deformities in hereditary multiple osteochondroma

Abstract

Forearm deformities are often observed in patients with hereditary multiple osteochondroma, resulting in functional disability and cosmetic impairment. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes after corrective osteotomy of the radius (COR). We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiologic data from patients with forearm deformities who underwent COR combined with osteochondroma resection between 1978 and 2015. Seventeen patients (17 forearms) were included. The mean (range) age at surgery was 11.8 years (3.2–14.4), and the mean interval between surgery and last follow-up was 8.2 years (2–34.2). Range of motion was moderately increased and postoperative radiological assessments found significant improvements in ulnar variance, radial articular angle, bowing of the radius, and carpal slip. At last follow-up, a loss of ulnar variance correction was noted in 11 cases (mean loss: 4mm). The mean score on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand self-administered questionnaire was 13.9. Our results show that a forearm deformity in a patient with hereditary multiple osteochondroma is an appropriate indication for COR combined with osteochondroma resection and should be performed at the end of growth. This simple, safe technique corrects bowing of the radius and radius-ulna length discrepancy and could limit the risk of radial head dislocation. Level of evidenceIV.