Results of the Wafer Procedure for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome in the Ulnar Negative and Neutral Wrist

Abstract

Thirteen wrists with ulnar neutral or negative variance were treated by open distal ulna excision (the wafer procedure). The mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 12–38). At final follow-up grip strength had increased a mean of 14 kgf and 12 of the 13 patients were very satisfied with the functional outcome and pain relief. In treatment of the ulnar impaction syndrome, the wafer procedure provides excellent pain relief and functional restoration particularly in patients with ulnar neutral or negative wrists in whom triangular fibrocartilage tears have not yet developed.