Abstract
Background
Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO), as its name implies, is used to shorten the ulna.
It subsequently tightens the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and ulnar wrist.
TFCC foveal insertion is a primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint. It is
unclear whether USO is effective in TFCC foveal injuries. The purpose of this study
was to review the clinical outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomies with and without
TFCC foveal injuries.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with ulnar wrist pain treated with USO and wrist
arthroscopy including the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Sixty-five patients were
included in this study. An algorithm was used to guide surgical decision-making. After
arthroscopic confirmation of ulnar impaction syndrome, we performed USO with a locking
compression plate (mean length of shortening, 2.7 mm; range, 1–7.5 mm). The flattened
TFCC disc due to ulnar shortening was confirmed arthroscopically. If the DRUJ was
unstable after USO, we repaired the TFCC foveal insertion.
Results
There were 32 post-traumatic and 33 idiopathic cases. We detected TFCC disc injuries
in 34 wrists and TFCC foveal injuries in 33 wrists; both types were found in 15 wrists.
TFCC foveal injuries were not significantly correlated with patient age, history of
trauma, or clinical outcome. Most patients showed good clinical outcomes; 31 of 65
patients had preoperative DRUJ instability, with a significant number having foveal
but not disc injuries.
Conclusion
USO achieved reasonable outcomes, even in patients with TFCC foveal injuries. In cases
demonstrating ulnar impaction, USO should be prioritized over TFCC repair.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 15, 2021
Accepted:
November 15,
2021
Received in revised form:
November 9,
2021
Received:
February 19,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
