Treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) is based on ulnocarpal decompression, which may be achieved by ulna shortening osteotomy. The aim is to restore zero or negative ulnar variance. Tolat et al. described 3 distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) morphologic types: vertical, oblique and reverse. Joint type has been thought to influence the clinical result of shortening, especially in the reverse type.

DRUJ type does not influence clinical results in ulna shortening osteotomy.

Twenty-nine wrists were operated on in 27 patients: 13 female, 14 male; mean age at surgery, 43 years (range, 18–72 years). In 20 cases, UIS was idiopathic and in 7 post-traumatic. Mean preoperative ulnar variance was 3.6mm (range, 2–18mm). The osteotomy was fixed by screwed plate.

Twenty-five patients (27 wrists) were assessed at a mean 64 months (range, 18 months to 13 years). There were no cases of infection or hematoma. DRUJ was type 1 (vertical) in 6 cases (22%), type 2 (oblique) in 14 (52%) and type 3 (reverse) in 7 (26%). Mean postoperative pain score on VAS was 0.7/10 (range, 0–4); 9 wrists remained painful. Mean Quick-DASH was 16.9 (range, 0–48) and mean PRWE 21.9 (range, 16.9–59). Thirteen patients were very satisfied, 11 satisfied, 1 moderately satisfied, and 2 dissatisfied. Mean postoperative ulnar variance was −0.1mm (range, −4 to +8mm). Three wrists developed osteoarthritis, all following traumatic UIS. There were no significant correlations between DRUJ type and other clinical or radiological parameters.

Ulna shortening osteotomy has proven efficacy in UIS. The literature reports excellent or good results in 75% of cases. In the present study, 96% of patients considered themselves cured or improved by surgery, and none reported worsening. Ulna shortening osteotomy can be used in all 3 DRUJ types; DRUJ coronal morphology does not impact clinical result.

IV–retrospective study.