Ulnocarpal Impaction
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide updated knowledge about ulnocarpal impaction syndrome (UCIS) and its treatment. Classic studies on biomechanics of the ulnar side of the wrist have shown that millimetrical changes in the relative lengths of the ulna and the radius significantly alter the load transmission between the carpal bones, the radius, and the ulna. Thus, an increase in the relative length of the ulna will generate an excessive load on the ulnocarpal joint, which will produce a spectrum of progressive degenerative changes in the ulnar dome, lunate, triquetrum, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), that will lead to ulnocarpal and distal radioulnar-joint (DRUJ) osteoarthritis. In its various degenerative stages, UCIS can be treated with osteotomies that seek to decompress the ulnocarpal load. These can be extra-articular or intra-articular. Within the extra-articular osteotomies, we find the diaphyseal, metaphyseal without joint exposure (subcapital), and the distal metaphyseal with joint exposure. Within the intra-articular ones, we find the wafer procedure, which resects the cartilage and subchondral bone of the ulnar dome, and can be performed either openly or arthroscopically. If there is associated DRUJ osteoarthritis, it can only be treated with salvage surgeries such as the Darrach, Sauvé-Kapandji, and Bowers procedures, or a DRUJ arthroplasty. These osteotomy techniques will be analyzed in detail in order to define their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we propose a way to typify the UCIS to guide the reader towards the best possible treatment supported by current literature.Downloads
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