Results of Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy for Ulnocarpal Impaction Syndrome in Wrists with Neutral or Negative Ulnar Variance

Abstract

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome was diagnosed in six wrists of five patients with neutral or negative ulnar variance. All underwent ulnar shortening with satisfactory results. The average grip strength increased from 53% to 78% and the range of flexion–extension increased from 82% to 93%, the mean Cooney’s score improved from 25 to 83. These cases show that ulnocarpal impaction syndrome can occur in wrists with zero or negative ulnar variance, and that ulnar shortening is an effective treatment for such wrists.