Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy: Our Experience

Objective The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of our series regarding ulnar shortening osteotomy, as well as to briefly review the pathology, indications and surgical options of ulnocarpal conflict. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who were treated with ulnar shortening osteotomy between January 2012 and June 2017 at our hospital. We clinically evaluated pain, articular range of motion, grip strength and functional outcomes using the quick-DASH questionnaire. We radiographically measured the pre- and postoperative ulnar variance and the shortening performed. Results We identified eight operated patients, and it was possible to evaluate seven of them. Pain decreased in this population (visual analogue scale [VAS] score changed from 7 to 2.6, p < 0.05), there was a decrease in quick-DASH (64 to 28, p < 0.05) and we found a decrease in the articular amplitude ∼ 7° for flexion ( p = 0.2), and of 5.5° for supination ( p = 0.3), as well as decreasing grip strength to about 86% on the contralateral side ( p = 0.07). The ulnar variance changed from a mean of + 5.5 mm to - 1.1 mm ( p < 0.05). Two out of 8 patients (25%) presented plaque-related symptoms and one of them underwent a new intervention to extract the material. Conclusions Ulnar shortening osteotomy is an effective surgical procedure both in the treatment of ulnocarpal conflict and in the discharge of the ulna. The results presented agreement with other results published in the literature, with good clinical and radiographic results.