Indikation and results of ulna-shortening osteotomy for ulnar wrist pain

The ulnar impaction syndrome is proven to be a common source of ulnar sided wrist pain. Ulna-shortening osteotomy represents a successful therapy for this kind of problem, both congenital or posttraumatic positive ulnar varia nce. Positive variance resulting from a distal radius fracture needs correc t dorsal and radial angulation of the radius. In case of congenital positiv e variance arthroscopic debridement for decompression of the TFCC should be performed first. The adequate correction of the length is the major proble m. Disorders of the distal radioulnar joint may result due to overcorrectio n. Oblique osteotomy using 7-hole-plates is our preferred treatment.