Treatment Of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome Research Articles

Algorithm-Guided Treatment of Ulna Impaction Syndrome: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study of Ulna Shortening Osteotomy and Wafer Procedure.

Background: Ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) is a common degenerative wrist condition which results from positive ulnar variance, leading to an overload on the ulnar carpus. Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) and the arthroscopic wafer procedure (AWP) are established therapies for UIS if conservative management fails. This study assessed an algorithm-guided treatment of UIS over a period of 10 years. Methods: This prospective observational study compared the outcome of 54 patients who underwent either USO or AWP for UIS based on a predefined treatment algorithm. The mean follow-up period was 10 years. Primary outcome parameters were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH), whereas secondary outcome parameters were grip and pinch strength and range of motion. Results: The median preoperative ulnar variance was 2.6 mm in the USO group and 2.0 mm in the AWP group. The postoperative average ulnar variance was 0 mm in both groups. The preoperative pain at rest was 3.4 in the USO group and 2.3 in the AWP group. One year after surgery, there was a significant reduction to VAS 0.7 and 0.2, respectively. These results persisted to the 10-year follow-up (VAS 0.9 and 0.2). The pain in motion also decreased significantly in the first year (from 6.8 and 6.7 to 2.2 and 2.1), as well as after 10 years (2.4 and 1.0). The preoperative DASH score averaged 31.3 in the USO group and 35.8 in the AWP group. At the 10-year follow-up, the DASH of both groups decreased significantly to 4.35 in the AWP group compared to 12.7 in the USO group. Conclusions: Our data show that, when using our algorithm, both USO and AWP, two common operative treatment options of UIS, reliably reduce pain and significantly reduce the DASH score over at least a period of ten years. The results after 10 years differ from short-term results in so far as after one year, the USO group showed to some degree similar outcome parameters compared to AWP, whereas at the 10-year follow-up, AWP reached slightly better primary outcome parameters. The algorithm presented, thus, produced excellent short- and long-term outcomes. Our findings and the applied algorithm can assist in decision-making and patient education.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome (2024)

Abstract Background: Ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS), also known as ulnar impaction or ulnar abutment, is a degenerative condition causing pain on the ulnar side of the wrist. It can lead to wrist bone necrosis, resulting in wrist joint stability disruption and a significant wrist function impairment. The global understanding of this condition varies, contributing to substantial differences in clinical outcomes. Purposes: This paper underscores the necessity of developing evidence-based clinical guidelines for UIS to guide clinicians in their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Methods: In collaboration with the Asian Pacific Wrist Association, a team of experts from various fields within the Hand Surgery Department at Huashan Hospital has collectively formulated the “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome (2024)” (hereinafter referred to as the “Guidelines”). The development process adhered to the guidelines outlined in the World Health Organization's handbook for guideline development. Results: Ten key questions and 21 recommendations are formed. The Guidelines provide recommendations for UIS diagnosis, criteria for selecting conservative or surgical interventions, options for surgical procedures, and address various related issues. Conclusions: The collaborative effort aims to standardize clinical practices, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve treatment outcomes for individuals affected by UIS, with these recommendations intended to serve as a valuable reference for healthcare professionals.

A modified partial wedge-shaped metaphyseal ulnar osteotomy for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome with reverse oblique sigmoid notch.

We describe a modified metaphyseal ulnar osteotomy to treat ulnar impaction syndrome with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch. Based on a computational analysis of radiographs, a modified wedge metaphyseal ulnar osteotomy was devised with its apex positioned at the ulnar styloid base to avoid impaction between the sigmoid notch and ulnar head. Subsequently, nine patients with ulnar impaction syndrome and a reverse oblique sigmoid notch underwent this operation, combined with arthroscopic exploration and transosseous triangular fibrocartilage complex repair. The mean follow-up was 14 months. All patients achieved bone union within 5 weeks, with no degenerative changes being observed during the follow-up assessments. The final follow-up assessments revealed decreases in ulnar variance and in the scores for Visual Analogue Scale, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. All patients achieved excellent or good grades on the Modified Mayo Wrist Score. This technique is effective in treating the ulnar impaction syndrome with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch.Level of evidence: IV.

Outcomes of Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy with an Intramedullary Bone Graft for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome.

Although several techniques for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) have been introduced, there have still been reports on various complications such as delayed union, nonunion, refracture, wrist pain, plate irritation, and chronic regional pain syndrome. This study aimed to compare the differences in radiological and clinical outcomes of patients in which intramedullary bone grafting was performed in addition to plate stabilization with those without additional bone grafting during ulnar shortening osteotomies (USOs). Between November 2014 and June 2021, 53 wrists of 50 patients with idiopathic UIS were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether intramedullary bone grafting was performed. Among the 53 wrists, USO with an intramedullary bone graft was performed in 21 wrists and USO without an intramedullary bone graft was performed in 32 wrists. Demographic data and factors potentially associated with bone union time were analyzed. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups when comparing postoperative radioulnar distance, postoperative ulnar variance, amount of ulnar shortening, and postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Compared to the without-intramedullary bone graft group, bone union time of the osteotomy site was significantly shortened, from 8.8 ± 3.0 weeks to 6.7 ± 1.3 weeks in the with-intramedullary bone graft group. Moreover, there were no cases of nonunion or plate-induced symptoms. Both in univariable and multivariable analyses, intramedullary bone grafting was associated with shorter bone union time. USO with an intramedullary bone graft for idiopathic UIS has favorable radiological and clinical outcomes. The advantage of this technique is the significant shortening of bone union time.

Combined Arthroscopic Wafer Procedure and Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Debridement versus Ulnar Shortening Diaphyseal Osteotomy in Management of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Background The literature presents great challenge in comparing the arthroscopic wafer procedure (AWP) versus ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) in the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). Purpose We aimed primarily to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of AWP with triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement versus USO in the management of UIS. Methods The study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial including 43 patients with UIS whose ulna variance was less than 4 mm. Patients were randomly allocated to either the AWP group (21 patients) who underwent AWP and TFCC debridement or the USO group (22 patients) who underwent diaphyseal USO. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the Modified Mayo Wrist (MMW) score. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the mean operative time, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were our secondary outcomes. Results Radiological correction of variance was achieved in all patients. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the AWP group. The postoperative MMW and DASH scores were better in the AWP group than in the USO group. Fewer complications occurred in the AWP group (1 of 21 patients) compared with the USO group (3 of 22 patients). Conclusions AWP with TFCC debridement is a reliable and safe method for the management of UIS with a positive variance of less than 4 mm with better clinical and functional results than diaphyseal USO. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic type II.

An alternative treatment for degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries with distal radioulnar joint instability: first experience with 48 patients.

Treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome combined with distal radioulnar joint instability due to irreparable degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries can be complex. We describe the outcomes of a novel technique for restoring distal radioulnar stability due to ulnar impaction syndrome using a distally based extensor carpi ulnaris tendon strip combined with ulnar shortening osteotomy in 48 patients. Patients were assessed using standardized outcome measurements. The patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation total score improved from 66 (SD 15) at intake to 40 (SD 25) at 3 months, and 28 (SD 23) at 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Wrist extension and flexion improved significantly at 12 months from 53° (SD 11) to 65° (SD 8) (p < 0.001) and from 45° (SD 10) to 56° (SD 12) (p = 0.01), respectively. Adding a distally based longitudinal extensor carpi ulnaris strip to ulnar shortening osteotomy for restoring distal radioulnar joint stability seems to be an effective treatment in patients with irreparable degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries due to ulnar impaction syndrome. Level of evidence: IV.

Is ulnar shortening osteotomy effective for the treatment of ulnar styloid impaction syndrome compared to ulnar impaction syndrome?

This study aimed at evaluating the outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) for the treatment of ulnar styloid impaction syndrome (USIS) and to compare them with those of USO for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). We enrolled 144 patients who underwent USO between March 2015 and October 2021. The patients were divided into a UIS group (group I, n = 93) and a USIS group (group II, n = 51). Clinical and radiological parameters, including Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, ulnar variance, ulnar styloid length, and ulnar styloid process index (USPI), were collected pre-operatively and one year post-operatively, and a comparative analysis was performed. The DASH score showed significant improvement in both groups (p < .001 and p < .001), and there was no significant difference between the two groups one year after surgery (p = .143). The USPI was significantly different between the two groups (p < .001). The ulno-lunate and ulno-triquetrum distances showed significant increases in both groups, with significant differences between the two groups (p = .020, and p < .001, respectively). The incidence of post-operative arthritic changes in the distal radioulnar joint was significantly greater in the UIS group than that in the USIS group (21 vs 3, respectively; p = .017). No remarkable differences were observed in the post-operative evidence of chondromalacia at the last follow-up between the two groups. The USO, which was performed as a treatment for USIS showed reliable outcomes compared to the USO for the treatment of UIS. Therefore, USO is a viable option for the treatment of USIS.

Is metaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomy superior to diaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomy in the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome? A meta-analysis.

Although metaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomy (MUSO) is safer for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) than diaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomy (DUSO), DUSO is widely used for UIS treatment. To evaluate the effectiveness of DUSO and MUSO for UIS treatment and determine the factors that should be considered when choosing surgical treatment for UIS. Articles comparing the effectiveness of DUSO and MUSO for UIS treatment were systematically retrieved from MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The demography, incidence of complications, secondary operation rate, postoperative DASH score, wrist pain on the visual analogue scale, and grip strength improvement were also evaluated. In addition, the correlation between the improvement of grip strength and the shortening of osteotomy length of ulna was analyzed. The outcome of the patient was discontinuous, and the odds ratio, risk ratio (RR), and 95%CI were calculated and analyzed via RevMan5.3 software. Six studies, including 83 patients receiving MUSO (experimental group) and 112 patients receiving DUSO (control group), were included in the meta-analysis. The second operation rate was significantly higher after DUSO than after MUSO. The DASH scores were slightly lower in the MUSO group than in the DUSO group. The patients receiving MUSO had slightly better pain relief effect than patients receiving DUSO. However, the incidence of complications and improvement of grip strength were not significantly different between the two groups. Although DUSO and MUSO provide similar effects for UIS, MUSO is associated with a lower secondary operation rate, slightly lower postoperative DASH scores and slightly better pain relief effect than DUSO, indicating that MUSO can effectively be used for UIS treatment.

Comparison of diaphyseal and metaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomies for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome

BackgroundUlnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is a common surgical procedure for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). The purpose of this study was to compare the results of metaphyseal and diaphyseal USO. MethodsThis retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes and complications of 32 patients who underwent diaphyseal step-cut USO (n = 10), diaphyseal oblique USO (n = 12), or metaphyseal USO (n = 10).ResultsPatient characteristics, ulnar variance, wrist range of motion, preoperative pain, grip strength, and functional scores (quick disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand and patient-rated wrist evaluation) were comparable. Both operation time (79.5 vs. 138/139 min) and incision length (7.80 vs. 9.67/13.00 cm) were shorter in the metaphyseal USO than in the diaphyseal oblique/step-cut USO. Compared with diaphyseal oblique/step-cut USO, metaphyseal osteotomies were associated with greater improvement in the pain on postoperative day 3 and shorter bone healing time. The requirements for implant removal were the same among the three groups. No complications were observed in any group.ConclusionCompared with diaphyseal USO, metaphyseal USO has advantages for operation time and incision length, early postoperative pain, bone healing in UIS management. The results suggested that metaphyseal USO could be widely applied to the surgical treatment of UIS. However, the long-term outcomes of these techniques still require further evaluation using more large-scale, randomized clinical trials.

Clinical Study of Wrist Arthroscopy Combined with Oblique Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy in the Treatment of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome.

To explore the clinical effects of wrist arthroscopy combined with oblique ulnar shortening osteotomy in the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome. This was a retrospective study of 60 patients with ulnar impaction syndrome who were admitted to our department from January 2016 to December 2019. According to different surgical methods, they were divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with oblique ulnar shortening osteotomy, and the observation group used wrist arthroscopy based on the control group. The two groups of patients were compared in terms of wrist function before and 12months after surgery. We compared the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH Score), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Score (PRWE Score), Visual Analog Score (VAS), and ulnar variation between the two groups at 12months after surgery. The excellent and good rates by Mayo wrist score were compared between the two groups at the last follow-up. All patients were followed up for 12-36months, with an average of 14.5months. Bone union was achieved at the oblique osteotomy of the ulna, with an average healing time of 13.6 weeks. The observation group was examined by wrist arthroscopy, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) Palmer classification was confirmed in three cases of type IIA, seven cases of type IIB, 14 cases of type IIC, and six cases of type IID. Compared with before surgery, the grip strength, flexion-extension, ulnar radial deflection, and forearm rotation of the two groups of patients were significantly improved at 12months after surgery. The DASH score, PRWE score, and VAS score of the observation group were better than those of the control group, and the difference in ulnar shortening length was not statistically significant between the two groups. The excellent and good rates of the observation group (93.3%) were better than those of the control group (87.5%) at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with oblique ulnar shortening osteotomy alone, combined wrist arthroscopy can better reduce the pain of patients with ulnar impaction syndrome, restore wrist function, and improve the excellent and good rates. Therefore, it is clinically worthy of promotion.

Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy - Two Weeks of Immobilization Sufficient

Diaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) as surgical treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome is standardized nowadays with good to very good results. In contrast, a wide spectrum of different postoperative treatment regimens can be found in the current literature. The results after USO with modern, angular stable implants with immobilization for 2 weeks are presented. A retrospective database analysis identified 49 patients (31 women, 18 men, mean age 37.6 years) with a total of 51 USO over a 13-year period and were followed up for 73.5 (15.9-192.9). All USO were obliquely sawed and stabilized with palmar locking implants. The wrist was immobilized postoperatively in 30° extension in a dorsal forearm splint for 2 weeks. All USO showed load-stable consolidation signs after an average of 7.0 (SD 1.9; 4.9-14.1) weeks. Wrist range of motion was significantly improved in extension/flexion from 107.6° (60-155) preoperatively to 123.7° (80-160) postoperatively and in ulnar/radial deviation from 55.1° (25-90) to 60.8° (30-90) (p<0.05). Pain level was significantly reduced from 3.2 (0-8) to 0.1 (0-2) at rest and from 7.3 (4-10) to 1.2 (0-9) under weight bearing (p<0.01). A total of 5 complications (9.8%) were noted. Nonunion was not found. By using angular stable implants to stabilize a USO, the duration of immobilization can be reduced to 2 weeks without compromising bone healing.

Ulnar impaction syndrome: how to diagnose and treat?

Ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS), also called ulnocarpal abutment syndrome, is a degenerative condition induced by repeated loads on the ulnocarpal joint and is a representative cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Because of the small, complex, and overlapping anatomy of the ulnar wrist, ulnar wrist pathologies often present very similar symptoms to those of UIS, which causes confusion in diagnosing UIS. Thus, careful history-taking, clinical examinations, and diagnostic imaging are essential for the diagnosis of UIS. As appropriate and effective treatment for UIS, early surgical treatment should be considered if patients cannot reduce their wrist usage in daily living and work and have distal radioulnar instability. There are various surgical techniques for UIS. Surgeons should be deliberate in choosing a technique and pay attention to accompanying disorders around the ulnar wrist to achieve satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Comparing radial lengthening osteotomy with ulnar shortening osteotomy to treat ulnar impaction syndrome after distal radius fracture malunion.

Distal radius mal-unions often cause radius shortening and ulnar impaction syndrome. The modern treatments of ulnar impaction syndrome following distal radius mal-union are ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) and distal radius lengthening osteotomy (DRLO). However, there are few studies to compare long-term outcomes of these two treatments. This study compares isolated USO to DRLO for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome following distal radius mal-union. We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients with extra-articular distal radius mal-unions treated by isolated USO in 36 patients and DRLO in 32 patients. Pain visual analog scale (VAS), wrist motion, grip strength, radiographic parameters including sigmoid inclination, DASH score, and perioperative complications were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 62.6months. The postoperative VAS scores for pain on exertion were less in the DRLO group than the USO group (1.2 vs. 2.8, p = 0.02). The DASH scores were 16.7 and 29.8 in the DRLO and USO groups, respectively (p = 0.02). The reduction of pain and improvement of function showed significantly better in the DRLO group. The mean operative time was shorter in the USO group. Most of the sigmoid inclinations were changed in DRLO. There were two re-operations following USO for painful nonunion and two patients had subsequent DRUJ osteoarthritis at the last follow-up. Although both treatments improved range of motion, grip strength, and VAS for pain, DRLO was found in better reduction of pain and improvement of function. USO is a simpler procedure with a shorter operative time but it has an increased potential to cause subsequent osteoarthritis of the DRUJ as its incongruity of DRUJ after USO especially in reverted inclination. DRLO can be a preferred method for treating USWP in relevant distal radial mal-union.

Long-term radiographic outcomes and functional evaluation of ulnar shortening osteotomy in patients with ulnar impaction syndrome and reverse oblique sigmoid notch: a retrospective case series study

BackgroundUlnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. However, there have been reports of osteoarthritis (OA) at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) when USO was performed on patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch. This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes following USO in patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients having a reverse oblique sigmoid notch who underwent USO for ulnar impaction syndrome between 2002 and 2013. We evaluated radiographic changes of the DRUJ and functional outcomes of patients.ResultsWe enrolled 22 patients (22 wrists) with an average age of 49.6 years and a mean follow-up of 93.2 (range, 36–179; standard deviation [SD], 38.2) months. We found that there were changes in the inclination angle of the sigmoid notch, from an average reverse oblique of 14.9o (range, 11o–23o; SD, 3.4o) preoperatively to a more parallel 5.1o (range, 0o–11o; SD, 3.2o) at the final follow-up. The functional results at the final follow-up were good, with a mean visual analogue scale for pain of 0.2 (range, 0–1; SD, 0.4) at rest and 1.3 (range, 0–3; SD, 0.9) during activity, QuickDASH of 15.1 (range, 2.3–34.1; SD, 8.8), and modified Mayo Wrist Score of 91.6 (range, 70–100; SD, 6.4). Seven wrists (31.8%) had changes compatible with OA, but the wrists did not exhibit a significantly worse function when compared to wrists without OA changes, except for supination motion and grip strength.ConclusionsFor patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid inclination following USO, we observed that the inclination angle had a tendency to become parallel and some patients developed OA at the DRUJ. However, long-term functional outcomes could still be good. The reverse oblique sigmoid inclination does not seem to be an absolute contraindication for USO.

Wrist arthroscopy combined with 2.7 mm titanium osteotomy plate fixation in treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome

Wrist arthroscopy combined with 2.7 mm titanium osteotomy plate fixation in treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome

Intraoperative Arthroscopic Findings of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and intraoperative arthroscopic findings in ulnar impaction syndrome, and to assess the necessity of the arthroscopic evaluation in ulnar shortening osteotomy.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 46 patients of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome, treated by ulnar shortening osteotomy and arthroscopic evaluation, from February 2012 to June 2018. In preoperative MRI and intraoperative arthroscopy, lunate, triquetrum, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and lunotriquetral ligament were evaluated.Results: The chance to see the findings of chondromalacia of the lunate and triquetral cartilage in arthroscopy (58% and 2%) was less than the findings of abnormal signal intensity of the lunate and triquetrum in MRI (65% and 22%). The incidence of TFCC lesion in arthroscopy (89%) was almost equal with that of abnormal signal intensity of TFCC in MRI findings (87%). But there were 24 cases (52%) where the prediction of triangular fibrocartilage lesions in MRI was incorrect. In 19 cases (41%), arthroscopic findings were not appropriate with the disease stage of Palmer’s original classification. Conclusion: Although some recent reports say that arthroscopic surgery is not necessary in the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome, we could confirm the value of arthroscopic evaluation for the identification of ulnocarpal pathologies. We would like to recommend the arthroscopic evaluation of ulnocarpal joint at the same time of the ulnar shortening procedure.

Surgical treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome : Ulnar shortening osteotomy through the ulnopalmar approach using alow-profile, locking plate

Extra-articular shortening of the distal ulna in order to decompress the ulnocarpal joint. Congenital or posttraumatic, symptomatic ulnar impaction syndrome. Osteoarthritis or deformation of the distal radioulnar joint. Exactly defined oblique osteotomy in the distal third of the ulna using the saw guide, closing of the osteotomy gap using the compression spindle, osteosynthesis with the locking plate. Palmar forearm thermoplastic cast or splint for 3weeks, load bearing after bony union. Between June 2016 and March 2018 ulnar shortening was performed in 17patients using the new locking plate. In all, 15patients were reevaluated with complete follow-up data. Postoperatively patients experienced significant pain reduction (Visual Analog Scale 0-10) by 65% (7before and 2.5after surgery; p < 0.05) and asignificant improvement of function (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand 0-100) by 49% (47before and 24after surgery; p < 0.05). Bony union was observed in all patients after amean time of 4months. Overall patient satisfaction was high.

Nonunion Rates Among Ulnar-Shortening Osteotomy for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this study was to systematically review all available literature reporting nonunion rates of ulnar-shortening osteotomies (USO) used for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) and to compare those rates among transverse versus oblique cuts for the osteotomy. Electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies that evaluated outcomes of both transverse and oblique USO for UIS. Level of evidence was determined by 2 independent reviewers. Studies were screened based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. A total of 37 studies (1,423 patients) were included in final analysis. The average rate of nonunion and delayed union for each group (transverse and oblique osteotomy) was calculated. The average rate of nonunion among all osteotomies was 4.0%. The average rate of nonunion was 4.16% and 3.86% in transverse osteotomies and oblique osteotomies, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant. The average rate of delayed union, in those studies that reported delayed union, was 5.7%. The average rate of delayed union was 7.41% and 4.1% in transverse osteotomies and oblique osteotomies, respectively. Based on our review of the literature, there is no difference in the rate of nonunion between transverse and oblique osteotomies. Therefore, the decision of which of the 2 surgical techniques should not be based on rate of nonunion. Therapeutic IV.

Combined ulnar shortening osteotomy and elastic suspended fixation in treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome

To investigate the effectiveness of ulnar shortening osteotomy combined with elastic suspension fixation for ulnar impaction syndrome caused by relatively long ulna. Between October 2015 and August 2016, 3 cases of ulnar impaction syndrome were treated. One patient was male and 2 patients were females. The age was 32, 29, and 59 years, respectively. One patient was dislocation and impaction of distal radioulnar joint for more than 1 year after internal fixation due to ulnar and radial open fractures. Other patients had no trauma and surgery, but long-term manual history. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were 7, 5, and 5, respectively. Cooney wrist function scores were rated as poor. Preoperative X-ray measurements of the ulnar variance was 12.7, 9.0, and 8.7 mm, respectively. The ulna was transversely osteotomy and fixed with plate and screws. The distal radioulnar joint was elastic suspension fixed with mini plate. Postoperative X-ray film showed that the matching of the distal radioulnar joint had no significant difference compared with the contralateral side. All the incisions healed by first intention without complication such as neurovascular injury, infection, and dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. The patients were followed up 27, 17, and 23 months, respectively. At last follow-up, X-ray film showed that all osteotomy segments achieved bony union without internal fixation failure. The VAS scores were 2, 0, and 1, respectively, and the Cooney wrist function scores were rated as excellent. The ulnar shortening osteotomy combined with elastic suspension fixation can correct the ulna variation, avoid the instability of the distal radioulnar joint caused by the extensive dissection of the tissue around the ulnar, and avoid stiffness of the joints caused by rigid fixation. It is an ideal treatment for ulna impaction syndrome.

Prognostic value of clinical and radiological findings for conservative treatment of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome

Ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) is a common source of ulnar-sided wrist pain, yet not all cases of radiographic ulnar impaction are symptomatic. We retrospectively analyze clinical or radiologic factors that affect prognoses of conservative treatment for idiopathic UIS. A total of 114 patients who had been diagnosed with UIS were treated with 6 weeks of short arm orthosis followed by formal physiotherapy for 6 weeks, with lifestyle modification to limit aggravating movements. The response to treatment, including pain numeric rating scale on an ulnar provocation test, grip strength, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (DASH), was assessed at 24-week follow-up. For the 24-week follow-up, 29 patients (25%) underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy due to persistent symptoms after conservative treatment, and 18 (16%) patients had pain scores of greater than 5, but they had not undergone surgery. After controlling for confounding variables, female gender (odds ratio (OR) 1.39), duration of symptom (OR 1.27), high pain NRS score on provocation test (OR 1.45), and enhanced carpal or distal ulna bone on MRI (OR 1.82) were associated with a higher likelihood of treatment failure. Knowledge of the factors offers physicians insight into predicting prognoses and helps patients set realistic expectations.