Long-Term Follow-Up of Surgical Correction of Madelung’s Deformity with Conservation of the Distal Radioulnar Joint in Teenagers

Abstract

Eleven wrists with painful Madelung deformity in seven patients were corrected during adolescence by a closing wedge osteotomy of the radius and a shortening osteotomy of the ulna, with conservation of the distal radioulnar joint. At late follow-up (9.7 years) function was considerably improved. When the ulnar head was correctly relocated during operation, a new distal radioulnar space developed. Shortening of the ulna must be generous and combined with slight flexion at the osteotomy.