Soft-Tissue Distraction Prior to Single Bone Forearm Surgery in Ulnar Longitudinal Deficiency: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Ulnar longitudinal deficiency (ULD) is a rare congenital disease of the upper limb. The deformities caused by ULD can be very challenging and may compromise hand function during daily activities. Although the first surgical intervention dates back to the year 1952 there is still no gold standard for treating this uncommon disorder. Two children aged 16 and 3 years with ULD Bayne Type II (partial ulna aplasia) were diagnosed and treated at our department with single bone forearm surgery to achieve stability and improve function using a modified surgical method. For the purpose of an additional gain in limb length and improved cosmesis we used an Ilizarov external fixator for soft tissue distraction including radius distalization prior to the creation of the single bone forearm. This new technique and results are presented and discussed.