Abstract
Aim This study aims to evaluate the long-term complications, results, and patient satisfaction
rates of a dorsally approached ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome.
Methods A retrospective chart review of 20 patients was performed. Primary outcomes of interest
were subjective, measured using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, Disability
of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and the third questionnaire about patient
satisfaction, composed by the authors. Secondary outcomes included hardware removal
due to irritation and other complications.
Results Mean postoperative functional score of PRWE was 28 (standard deviation [SD], 30)
and DASH 20 (SD, 26), respectively. Fifteen patients were satisfied with the operation.
Removal of hardware was noted in six patients. In one patient plate breakage occurred.
Conclusion Similar postoperative functional scores and complications were seen in patients undergoing
an ulnar shortening osteotomy with a dorsally placed plate for ulnar impaction syndrome,
compared with other plate placement localizations. The incidence of plate removal
is also comparable to previously described results. As the dorsally placed plate and
freehand technique, are relatively easy, we feel that it has a place in the treatment
of ulnar impaction syndrome.
Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective cohort study.
Keywords
ulnar shortening osteotomy - dorsal approach - hardware removal - ulnar impaction
syndrome
