Ulnar shortening osteotomy is the standard treatment for the condition of ulnocarpal
impaction. Traditionally ulnar shortening osteotomy has been performed in the diaphysis
and secured with a 3.5 mm plate. Delayed union, nonunion, and symptomatic hardware
have been cited as detractors of this technique. A number of alternatives have consequently
been proposed that range from different hardware to different patterns of osteotomy
to resection of the distal portion of the ulnar head. This article describes one method
for ulnar shortening osteotomy that seeks to draw upon the advantages of several of
these variations in order to minimize complications.
Keywords
Ulnar - Shortening - Osteotomy - Impaction - locking, plates
