PRECISION OBLIQUE OSTEOTOMY FOR SHORTENING OF THE ULNA

The obstacles of prolonged healing time and technically demanding oste otomy and plate fixation in the performance of ulnar shortening osteot omies have been overcome by a precision system that includes a 45-degr ees osteotomy and 2.7 mm interfragmentary lag screw. In 23 transverse osteotomies healing time averaged 21 weeks with one nonunion. In 17 pr ecision oblique osteotomies healing time averaged a substantially shor ter 11 weeks. Biomechanical data obtained from cadaveric testing compa ring these two constructs demonstrated a structural stiffness that was clearly greater in torsion testing for the oblique osteotomy. No biom echanical difference was identified in the anteroposterior and lateral bending tests. The system permits the reliable performance of two par allel osteotomy cuts, allowing the removal of a precise amount of bone . The compression device and specialized plate permit easy coaptation of the osteotomy surfaces, which are locked into position by a precise 22-degrees interfragmentary lag screw. The surgical procedure is more quickly completed, and the frustration of this previously challenging procedure is now completely removed.