Abstract
Positive ulnar variance due to inadequate correction of radial length is a common disorder after radial corrective osteotomy. To avoid this complication we performed a combination of ulnar-shortening osteotomy and radial corrective osteotomy in 6 of 22 radial corrections. The indication for the combined procedure was a relative ulnar length of minimally 6 mm. The functional outcome was fair in 1 and good in 5 cases with combined osteotomy. Overall, the functional results were good in 17 cases, and pain in the distal radioulnar joint was observed in 3 of 22 patients. Positive ulnar variance was the reason for pain in only 1 patient. Eventually, 2 hemiresections of the ulnar head (Bower's arthroplasty) were performed. It appears that a combination of ulnar shortening and radial osteotomy is a reliable technique, which can reduce symptoms and need for secondary operations on the ulnar side of the wrist.
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Oskam, J., Bongers, K.M., Karthaus, A.J.M. et al. Corrective osteotomy for malunion of the distal radius. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 115, 219–222 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00434558
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00434558