Wafer distal ulna resection for triangular fibrocartilage tears and/or ulna impaction syndrome.

Partial resection of the distal ulna (wafer resection) has been used to treat patients with symptomatic tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex or mild ulna impaction syndrome. In this procedure, the distal 2 to 4 mm of the distal ulnar head is resected while preserving the ulnar styloid process and the ligaments attached to it. The triangular fibrocartilage is debrided, repaired, or partially excised as necessary. The procedure is contraindicated if there is more than 4 mm of positive ulnar variance. Thirteen wafer resections of the distal ulna were performed in 12 patients. All had good to excellent results after a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Wafer resection has specific advantages and avoids many of the potential complications of distal ulna recession and ulnar head resection for patients with the conditions described. The procedure is not indicated if instability or degenerative arthritis of the distal radioulnar joint is present or if there is carpal instability.     

Arthroscopic treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome

Ulnar impaction syndrome occurs in the setting of a central traumatic or degenerative defect in the triangular fibrocartilage complex in patients with ulnar positive variance. Chondral and subchondral edema, mechanical impingement of the articular disc, and chondromalacia of the distal ulna, proximal lunate, and proximal triquetrum produce symptoms with activity that do not improve with rest. Decreasing ulnocarpal load-sharing across the wrist with recession of the distal ulna is necessary to relieve symptoms in the majority of patients. Arthroscopic treatment with triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and arthroscopic ulnar wafer resection is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. It affords a single-stage, minimally invasive approach, with similar efficacy and fewer complications than open wafer resection or ulnar shortening osteotomy.     

Results of the wafer procedure for ulnar impaction syndrome in the ulnar negative and neutral wrist

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.     

Resection arthroplast of the distal ulna

Controversy exists regarding the best treatment for pain and instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Until recently the Darrach distal ulna resection had been the standard procedure. The Bowers hemiresection interposition arthroplasty and the Watson matched distal ulna resection were developed to preserve the styloid attachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. The authors present a technique for the treatment of patients with painful distal radioulnar joints. The treatment is aimed at alleviating the problems of impingement and styloid carpal abutment during grip as well as providing stabilization. The goal is improved pain-free pronation or supination, flexion or extension, and increase in grip strength.     

Matched distal ulna resection for posttraumatic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint.

In 1985 we published the results of the matched ulna resection in 44 patients, the majority of whom had rheumatoid arthritis. The matched ulna resection maintains the continuity of the distal ulna to the ulnar sling mechanism, including the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and resects the distal ulna in a smooth, curved, convex fashion to match the contour of the radius throughout forearm rotation. This article presents the results of the procedure in patients with posttraumatic and mechanical disorders of the distal radioulnar joint. Good to excellent results were noted in 24 of 32 patients. The outcome was related to the severity of the patient's initial problem.     

Centralization of ulna for infected nonunion of radius with extensive bone loss. A modified Hey-Groves procedure

We describe a case of infected nonunion of the radius with extensive bone loss in an 11-year-old boy treated by centralization of the ulna. The technique used differs from the original Hey Groves procedure in that it preserves the distal end of the ulna with its important triangular fibrocartilage complex, thereby retaining stability and contour of the wrist joint. Our patient obtained a functionally and cosmetically satisfactory, stable forearm and wrist. We present the technique as a useful armament in the management of extensive bony defect of the radius arising from trauma or infection.     

Effects of wafer resection and hemiresection from the distal ulna on load-sharing at the wrist: a cadaveric study

PURPOSE: Ulnar impaction syndrome is commonly the result of a naturally occurring ulnar-positive condition, distal radius fracture malunion, or collapse of a fractured radial head. The Feldon wafer procedure and the Bowers distal hemiresection procedure are designed to decrease force transmitted through the distal ulna. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of these procedures on distal ulnar loading with varying degrees of ulnar positivity at the wrist. METHODS: Using a specially designed miniature load cell distal ulnar force was measured in 20 fresh-frozen cadaveric forearms as the wrist was loaded axially to 134 N in neutral forearm rotation; tests were performed in valgus alignment with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees . Ulnar positivity (0 mm, +2 mm, +4 mm, and +6 mm) was created by incremental shortening of the distal radius using a sliding plate. The radial neck was sectioned transversely and the radial head fragment was fixed in its anatomic position using cemented metal prongs connected to a rigid bar; this allowed the radial head to be disconnected and tilted out of the loading pathway to simulate an excised radial head. Loading tests (with and without the radial head in place) were repeated after removal of a 3-mm wafer of bone beneath the triangular fibrocartilage complex, and again after a hemiresection of the distal ulna to the base of the ulnar styloid process. RESULTS: For each ulnar status condition (intact, wafer removal, hemiresection) the mean distal ulnar force generally increased as the wrist became more ulnar positive. Both wafer removal and hemiresection significantly decreased mean distal ulnar forces under all conditions of ulnar variance, with or without the radial head in place. With the radial head in place the mean distal ulnar forces (expressed as a percentage of applied wrist force) for the 0-mm condition were 16.9% (intact), 3.8% (wafer removal), and 3.5% (hemiresection); corresponding values for the +6-mm condition were 61.6% (intact), and 39.8% (wafer removal), 15.1% (hemiresection). With the radial head removed the mean distal ulnar forces for the 0-mm condition were 31.7% (intact), 4.6% (wafer removal), and 4.4% (hemiresection); corresponding values for the +6-mm condition were 96.4% (intact), 71.6%, (wafer removal), and 27.2% (hemiresection). The decrease of distal ulnar force resulting from hemiresection was significantly greater than that for wafer removal for all ulnar-positive conditions; force reductions were not significantly different between the 2 procedures with neutral ulnar variance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study can help to offer a biomechanical basis for choosing between a Feldon wafer procedure and a Bowers hemiresection procedure in patients with ulnocarpal impaction syndrome. Both procedures produced equal decreases of distal ulnar force in the intact forearm. With an ulnar-positive wrist, the condition for which the procedure would be performed commonly, the hemiresection was more effective in decreasing force transmitted through the distal ulna.     

Management of chronic peripheral tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

Injury to the triangular fibrocartilage is recognized with increasing frequency as a major source of pain on the ulnar side of the wrist. Traumatic separation of the well-vascularized medial insertion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex at the fovea of the ulnar styloid is less common than attritional perforation of the central hypovascular articular disc. Thirteen patients with traumatic separation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex from its peripheral origin (eleven with documented single-episode antecedent trauma) had anatomic reconstitution by surgical reattachment to the ulna. After postoperative rehabilitation, return to essentially normal painless activities was reached in eight of eleven patients with follow-up greater than one year. Two of the three unsatisfactory results responded well to subsequent surgery (distal ulna resection; ulnar shortening osteotomy); one patient has been unable to return to competitive gymnastics and seeks no further treatment.     

Dorsal dislocation of the distal end of the ulna in a judo player.

A 32-year-old policeman injured his left wrist while engaged in judo training. A distal radio-ulnar dislocation, ulna dorsal, was reduced under general anesthesia, but, as the distal radio-ulnar joint was unstable, a Liebolt's ligamentous reconstruction procedure and a partial excision of the triangular fibrocartilage complex were carried out. The patient could resume his job eight weeks after the operation, and light training after a further six months. The need for proper physical examination and accurate radiographic positioning is stressed.     

Arthroscopic "-ectomy" surgery of the wrist

Arthroscopic surgical techniques are well suited for the removal of diseased tissue. This article illustrates anecdotally some of the feasible arthroscopic "-ectomy" procedures of the wrist: centrum excision of the triangular fibrocartilage complex following injury; synovectomy in the management of wrist rheumatoid arthritis; proximal row carpectomy for degenerative arthritis; and hemiresection of the distal ulna.     

Matched distal ulnar resection

Painful disorders of the distal radioulnar joint severely limit the work capability of the hand. Until recently, the standard treatment for this problem has been transverse resection of the distal ulna, as originally proposed by Darrach. A technique for a "matched" resection arthroplasty of the distal ulna, leaving the ulnar shaft--styloid axis along with the triangular fibrocartilage complex and the distal ulnar ligamentous attachments intact, has been used since 1967. This procedure resects the distal ulna in a long, smooth, convex curve, matching the opposing surface of the concave radial metaphysis in three dimensions. Forty-four wrists were followed for an average of 6.5 years and showed that the procedure is reliable and relieves pain while retaining a more normal ulnocarpal, radioulnar, and radiocarpal alignment, with painless pronation averaging 80.5 degrees and supination of 88.5 degrees.     

Wrist arthroscopy: principles and clinical applications.

With the development of better and smaller equipment, arthroscopy of the wrist offers the same benefits achievable with arthroscopy of the knee, shoulder, or elbow - not only diagnostic information but also a therapeutic option. Standardized techniques of performing wrist arthroscopy have been developed to evaluate the treat various wrist disorders, such as lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, intra-articular distal radius fractures, and scaphoid fractures. Arthroscopy is now performed in the treatment of dorsal-wrist ganglion cysts and interosseous ligament disruptions, as well as for bone incisions, such as radial styloidectomy, distal ulnar excision (wafer procedure), and proximal-row carpectomy. Compared with other techniques, arthroscopic procedures, such as repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, demonstrate better results and improved localization of the injury with a low complication rate. In addition, arthroscopic procedures involve lesssurgical dissection, less postoperative pain, a shorter recovery time, and an earlier return to work for the patient.     

Radial side (1D) tears

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is the key structure at the wrist that facilitates the rotation of the radius and the carpus on the distal ulnar. The radial or type 1D tears of the TFCC are uncommon, but they pose a major disruption of the articular contact between the carpus and the distal ulna. The tears can heal by arthroscopically repairing the TFCC back to the radius using sutures through bone tunnels. This procedure allows patients to return to their work and sports activities with significant recovery of strength and range of motion.     

The distal joint of the radius and ulna. Diagnostic studies and treatment rationale.

Three areas of functional anatomy are present in the distal ulna. Each of these has a specific function in load bearing of the wrist, rotation of the forearm, and maintenance of the relationship between the radius and ulna. The distal portion of the ulna serves as a suspensory post for ligaments that stabilize the ulnar border of the wrist. The midportion of the distal ulna contains the load-bearing triangular fibrocartilage complex. The proximal portion of the distal ulna articulates with the radius at the sigmoid notch and participates in forearm rotation. Each of these areas is assessed in problems related to ligament instability, load bearing, and range of motion. Mechanical problems that affect the distal joint of the radius and ulna include the affects of trauma, degenerative change, and inflammatory disease. Each of these requires evaluation in the treatment of joint derangement. Diagnostic studies that relate to problems in the distal radioulnar joint area include standard roentgenographs, arthrograms, magnetic resonance (MR) scanning, and arthroscopy. Each of these studies has particular advantages and disadvantages in providing data for analysis of joint malfunction. A medical history, physical examination, and use of proper diagnostic studies will assist in an appropriate diagnosis of problems in the distal joint of the radius and ulna.     

The distal radioulnar joint. Anatomy, biomechanics, and triangular fibrocartilage complex abnormalities

The distal radioulnar joint plays an intricate part in the function of the wrist and thus in the function of the entire upper extremity. The radius and hand move in relation to and function about the distal ulna. Significant loads are transmitted to the forearm unit through the distal ulna via the triangular fibrocartilage complex. The anatomic relationships between the distal radius and ulna and ulnar carpus are precise, and even minor modification in these relationships leads to significant load changes and resultant pain syndromes. Evaluation of a patient with ulnar wrist pain is, at best, difficult. Despite a careful and thorough history and physical examination and the use of sophisticated ancillary diagnostic studies, some patients with distal radioulnar joint and ulnar carpal complex problems remain diagnostic and therapeutic mysteries. These patients are best followed; exploratory surgery is rarely satisfying to either the patient or the surgeon. Armed with an understanding of the normal anatomy and biomechanics, the examination of such a patient and subsequent treatment should become a challenge that is rewarding for both patient and treating physician.     

Distal ulnar head shortening for treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears with ulna positive variance.

Patients with a tear of the horizontal part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulna plus variance were treated by excision of the distal part of the ulnar head. Three of the seven consecutive patients also had lunotriquetral ligament injuries and had fusions of that joint. Six of the seven patients had either complete relief or marked improvement of symptoms at the distal radioulnar joint. When ulnar shortening is indicated, ulnar head shortening should be considered.     

Open repair of the ulnar disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex with double three-dimensional mattress suturing technique

Open repair technique of the ulnar disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex is described. This technique is indicated for a fresh or a relatively fresh (less than 1 year after the initial injury) ulnar foveal detachment tear, horizontal tear, and proximal slit tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, all of which are accompanied by severe dorsal, palmar, or multidirectional instability of the distal radioulnar joint. A chronic tear greater than 1 year from initial injury and a fresh triangular fibrocartilage complex tear without distal radioulnar joint instability, such as central slit tear, are excluded from our indications. A dorsal C-shaped skin incision, a longitudinal incision of the radial edge of the extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath and the dorsal distal radioulnar joint capsule, exposes the distal radioulnar joint. A small, 5-mm longitudinal incision at the origin of the radioulnar ligament exposes its fovea detachment and/or the proximal slit tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. The disrupted radioulnar ligament is sutured in a pullout fashion to the ulna with a 3-dimensional double mattress technique through 2 bone tunnels that is precisely made at the central portion of the fovea with 1.2-mm K-wire. An additional horizontal mattress suture is used for closure of the small incision made at the radioulnar ligament, then the extensor carpi ulnaris is repaired. This open-repair technique is complex and requires precise technical skills; however, early results have been more rewarding than the conservative treatment.     

Anatomical transosseous fixation of the deep and superficial fibers of the radioulnar ligaments

Introduction

The triangular fibrocartilage complex is in conjunction with the interosseous membrane the most important stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint. Lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex may cause instability of the distal radioulnar joint with serious consequences. Therefore, the goal is to reconstruct and provide stability to prevent further harm.

Surgical technique

Based on the anatomical configuration of the radioulnar ligaments, we present a technique which addresses both the deep and the superficial fibers of the radioulnar ligaments. This surgical procedure can be performed either openly or arthroscopically assisted. Two osseous 2-mm tunnels starting from the ulnar neck to the foveal surface are created. A nonabsorbable suture is passed through the tunnels and the triangular fibrocartilage using a 20-gauge venipuncture needle in order to attach the deep fibers. Then a third osseous tunnel starting from the lateral base of the styloid process to the medial aspect is created. The suture is passed through this tunnel and through the triangular fibrocartilage and around the styloid process palmarily using the same needle as before in order to anchor the superficial fibers anatomically. After reducing the ulna head the sutures are tightened.

Conclusion

This technique is quite simple and addresses the anatomical configuration of the radioulnar ligaments.     

Surgery for posttraumatic wrist deformity: Radial osteotomy and/or ulnar shortening in 16 Colles' fractures

16 patients with pain and impaired function after malunited fracture of the distal radius were treated with opening wedge lengthening osteotomy of the radius with bone grafting (12 cases), shortening osteotomy of the ulna (3 cases), or a combination of these methods (1 case), with or without reattachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. 4 patients had to be reoperated because of redisloca-tion, resorption of the graft, fracture of the plate, or persistent non-union. At re-examination after a median of 4 years, all patients but 2 were improved by the procedure.     

Anatomic and biomechanical analysis of the arthroscopic wafer procedure.

The ulnar impaction syndrome is a common clinical entity that is most often associated with positive ulnar variance and is characterized by triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), lunate, and/or distal ulnar pathology. Traditional treatment for symptomatic ulnar impaction syndrome has been conservative; however, in cases refractory to nonoperative management, formal ulnar shortening has been successful in long-term clinical series. Recently, arthroscopic ulnar shortening, the "arthroscopic wafer procedure" (AWP) (debridement of the perforated TFCC margins and limited ulnar head resection using a motorized burr) has become an option to treat this clinical syndrome. In an attempt to evaluate the biomechanical efficacy of the AWP, an experimental study was undertaken using nine ulnar positive cadaver forearms. Each specimen was evaluated biomechanically using axial load cells and pressure-sensitive film to evaluate the effect of serial resection of the TFCC and distal ulna on axial load and ulnar carpal pressures. The results of this experimental study revealed a statistically significant unloading of the ulnar aspect of the wrist after excision of the centrum of the TFCC and resection of the radial two-thirds width of the ulnar head, to a depth of subchondral bone resection. Furthermore, additional bony resection tended to correlate favorably with the stage of TFCC pathology noted, i.e., the more advanced the stage, the more resection necessary to unload the ulnar aspect of the wrist. Based on this biomechanical study, a limited clinical series has been initiated with early favorable results. The AWP biomechanically unloads the ulnar carpal complex, and therefore has a theoretical potential of relieving the symptoms of the ulnar impaction syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)