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.     

Ulnar-sided wrist pain: evaluation and treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, ulnocarpal impaction syndrome, and lunotriquetral ligament tears

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper extremity disability. Presentation can vary from acute traumatic injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. Because of its overlapping anatomy, complex differential diagnosis, and varied treatment outcomes, the ulnar side of the wrist has been referred to as the "black box" of the wrist, and its pathology has been compared with low back pain. Common causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain include triangular fibrocartilaginous complex injuries, lunotriquetrial ligament injuries, and ulnar impaction syndrome.     

非创伤性尺腕撞击综合征的诊断和治疗

目的 探讨无明确创伤病史且X线片表现不典型的尺腕撞击综合征的特点及诊断标准和治疗方法.方法 回顾性研究2003年10月至2010年10月明确诊断和治疗的55例尺腕撞击综合征患者中没有明确创伤病史且X线片表现不典型的25例,在Kostas诊断标准基础上,观察尺腕压力试验、动态尺骨正向变异、MRI检查的阳性率和腕关节镜检查,分析观察指标对诊断结果的影响和临床意义.治疗采取尺骨短缩手术,截骨方式中16例采用水平截骨(Darrow法),9例采用斜行截骨(Rayhack法),加压钢板螺钉内固定.采用Darrow标准作为疗效评价标准.结果 本组25例患者中尺腕压力试验阳性比率为84％,动态尺骨正向变异的发生比率为52％,MRI检查发现腕骨信号改变的比率为82％,以月骨尺侧部近端和三角骨腰部最为常见,腕关节镜检查三角纤维软骨复合体(TFCC)退变及尺骨头和月骨的软骨退变比率为100％.随访时间4～48个月,平均26个月.25例骨折均愈合,水平截骨的平均愈合时间为4.5个月,斜行截骨的平均愈合时间为2.5个月.优7例,良15例,中2例,差1例;总优良率为88％.术后未发生严重并发症,治疗结果满意.结论 非创伤性尺腕撞击综合征由于缺少明确的创伤病史,尤其当X线片表现不典型时同其他引起腕关节尺侧疼痛的病因较难鉴别,应用尺腕压力试验、动态尺骨正向变异检查和早期MRI检查可早期明确诊断,有效提高诊断率.腕关节镜检查可作为诊断困难和鉴别诊断的补充手段.应用尺骨短缩手术可明显改善症状,斜行截骨是值得推荐的截骨方式.     

Ulnar-sided wrist pain: evaluation and treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, ulnocarpal impaction syndrome, and lunotriquetral ligament tears

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper-extremity disability. Presentation can vary from acute traumatic injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. Because of its overlapping anatomy, complex differential diagnosis, and varied treatment outcomes, the ulnar side of the wrist has been referred to as the "black box" of the wrist, and its pathology has been compared with that of low back pain. Common causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain include triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries, lunotriquetral ligament injuries, and ulnar impaction syndrome.     

The ulnar impaction syndrome

The ulnar impaction syndrome can be defined as the impaction of the ulnar head against the triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnar carpus resulting in progressive degeneration of those structures. The differential diagnosis in patients who present with ulnar wrist pain and limitation of motion can also include ulnar impingement syndrome and arthrosis or incongruity of the distal radioulnar joint. Structural abnormalities involving the distal radioulnar joint, distal radius, and ulnar carpus must be carefully elucidated prior to developing a treatment plan. When such abnormalities are identified and appropriately addressed, surgical treatment can be expected to be effective in the majority of cases. It is important to remember that in the absence of obvious structural abnormalities, the ulnar impaction syndrome may result from daily activities that result in excessive intermittent loading of the ulnar carpus. In this group of patients, treatment is directed at decreasing ulnar load by shortening the distal ulna in any of several ways. If relative instability of the ulnar ligamentous complex is a factor, then ulnar shortening by recession is the treatment of choice. Malunion of the distal radius resulting in ulnar impaction syndrome is best treated by addressing the deformity; that is, corrective radial osteotomy. Patients who present with a combination of ulnar impaction syndrome along with distal radioulnar joint, abnormalities must have both of these abnormalities addressed at the time of surgery. The matched ulnar resection and the hemiresection interposition arthroplasty are both effective procedures; however, the Suave-Kapandji procedure also can be used to address relative ligamentous laxity at the ulnar aspect of the wrist. The Darrach procedure is presently not recommended as a first-line treatment in these cases; however, when used as a salvage procedure, satisfactory results can be obtained in properly selected patients. Careful preoperative evaluation and planning are therefore the key to successful treatment of the ulnar impaction syndrome.     

Ulnar impaction syndrome: Managed by wrist arthroscopy

Background:

The development of handicraft industry and increase of various such works that need a large amount of repeated wrist ulnar deviation strength, the incidence of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) is increasing, but the traditional simple ulnar shortening osteotomy has more complications. This study aimed to explore the early diagnostic criteria of UIS and its wrist arthroscopic treatment experience.

Materials and Methods:

9 UIS patients were enrolled in this study. According to magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray and endoscopic features, the diagnostic criteria of UIS were summarized and the individualized treatment schedule was made. If the ulnar positive variance was less than 4 mm, the arthroscopic wafer resection was performed. If the ulnar positive variance was more than 4 mm, the arthroscopic resection of injury and degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnar osteotomy were conducted.

Results:

In all patients, the wound healed without any complications. All patients returned to normal life and work, with no ulnar wrist pain again. One patient had wrist weakness. There was a significant difference of the wrist activity between the last followup and before operation (P < 0.05). According to the modified wrist function scoring system of Green and O’Brien, there were 6 cases of excellent, 2 cases of good and 1 case of appropriate and the overall excellent and good rate was 92.3%.

Conclusion:

In the treatment of UIS, the arthroscopy can improve the diagnosis rate, optimize the treatment plan, shorten the treatment cycle, with good treatment results.     

Long-term Outcomes of Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: At Least 5-Years Follow-up

Background

There have been few outcomes studies with follow-up after performing ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome. We investigated the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy for the treatment of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 36 patients who had undergone ulnar shortening osteotomy for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome for a mean follow-up of 79.1 months (range, 62 to 132 months). The modified Gartland and Werley scores were measured pre- and postoperatively. The radiographic parameters for the assessment of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) as well as the relationship between these radiographic parameters and the clinical and radiological outcomes were determined.

Results

The average modified Gartland and Werley wrist score improved from 65.5 ± 8.1 preoperatively to 93.4 ± 5.8 at the last follow-up visit. The average preoperative ulnar variance of 4.7 ± 2.0 mm was reduced to an average of -0.6 ± 1.4 mm postoperatively. Osteoarthritic changes of the DRUJ were first seen at 34.8 ± 11.1 months follow-up in 6 of 36 wrists (16.7%). Those who had osteoarthritic changes in the DRUJ had significantly wider preoperative ulnar variance, a longer distal radioulnar distance and a greater length of ulnar shortening, but the wrist scores of the patients who had osteoarthritic changes in the DRUJ were comparable to those who did not have osteoarthritic changes in the DRUJ.

Conclusions

The clinical outcomes are satisfactory for even more than 5 years after ulnar shortening osteotomy for treating idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome despite the osteoarthritic changes of the DRUJ. The patients who need a larger degree of ulnar shortening may develop DRUJ arthritis.     

Treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome with the wafer procedure

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of wafer resection of the distal ulna (the wafer procedure) as treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. Between 1995 and 1997, 26 patients were surgically treated for refractory wrist pain secondary to ulnar impaction syndrome. The diagnosis was based on physical examination, radiologic imaging, and wrist arthroscopy, and confirmatory pathoanatomy was identified at the time of surgery in all cases. The study population consisted of 18 women and 8 men, and patient age averaged 42 years. Follow-up averaged 27 months (range, 17-41 months). Twenty-three patients were completely satisfied with pain relief and the functional status of their wrists at final follow-up. Range of motion returned to baseline in the majority of cases, usually by 3 months, and grip strength increased an average of 11 kg (P < or = .005). The wafer procedure is an effective treatment alternative to ulnar-shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome and avoids the risk of nonunion and hardware-related complications.     

Positive or Negative Ulnar Variance after Ulnar Shortening for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A Retrospective Study

Background

The goal of this study was to compare simple radiographic findings and clinical results according to residual ulnar variance following ulnar shortening for ulnar impaction syndrome.

Methods

Forty-five cases of ulnar impaction syndrome, which were treated with ulnar shortening from 2005 to 2008, were studied retrospectively. Group I included 13 cases with positive residual variance after ulnar shortening and group II included 32 cases with negative variance after shortening. The presence of a lunate cystic lesion both preoperatively and at final follow-up and assessments of wrist function based on the modified Mayo wrist score, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, as well as the Chun and Palmer score were evaluated.

Results

A cystic lesion of the lunate was present in 4 cases preoperatively and the size decreased in 2 cases at final follow-up in group I, and in 10 and 5 cases, respectively, in group II. No statistical difference was observed between the groups. The modified Mayo wrist score, DASH score, as well as the Chun and Palmer score improved significantly in both groups. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the proportion of positive cystic lesions at final follow-up or the functional scores.

Conclusions

After ulnar shortening, the degree of radiological change in the cystic lunate lesions and clinical improvement did not differ significantly between the groups with unintended residual positive and negative variance after shortening.     

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome restricts even midcarpal range of motion.

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome is believed to be caused by abutment between the ulna and the ulnar carpus. We measured radiocarpal and midcarpal ranges of motion in 40 patients with ulnocarpal impaction syndrome by radiographic motion studies. The results showed that the radiocarpal and midcarpal ranges of motion were equally restricted in the affected wrist compared with the unaffected wrist. Therefore, motion of the radiocarpal joint and midcarpal joint contributed equally to total wrist motion bilaterally. No correlation between ulnar variance and the contribution of radiocarpal motion to overall wrist motion was found. Restriction of wrist motion in ulnocarpal impaction syndrome is not caused directly by abutment between the ulna and ulnar carpus, but a satisfactory explanation for restricted motion is still lacking.     

Results of ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnocarpal impaction syndrome in wrists with neutral or negative ulnar variance

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.     

尺骨撞击综合征的特点及早期诊断

目的探讨尺骨撞击综合征的特点及早期诊断方法并提出新的诊断标准。方法对1998年12月～2004年12月治疗的123例腕尺侧疼痛患者进行仔细检查,采用顾玉东等提出的诊断标准,特别结合腕部MRI检查,确诊尺骨撞击综合征48例。总结尺骨憧击综合征的X线及MRI影像学特点,分析腕部临床症状与Chun和Palmer评分及影像学表现的关系。结果本组33例患者存在尺骨阳性变异(68．8%),X线检查发现患者出现腕骨坏死比例为27．1%,其中以月骨坏死为主(64．7%)；MRI检查均发现腕骨不同程度信号改变,腕部骨坏死均位于月骨尺侧部分的近端和三角骨腰部及底部；患者腕部临床症状与Chun和Palmer评分及影像学表现关系密切。结论提高对尺骨撞击综合征的认识水平,以临床症状为基础,充分利用影像学检查,特别是MRI检查,可以明显提高该病征的早期诊断率。     

The value of the pronated-grip view radiograph in assessing dynamic ulnar positive variance: a case report

Positive ulnar variance affects surgical decision making when ulnar wrist pain is refractory to conservative treatment and is either secondary to a posttraumatic triangular fibrocartilage tear or associated with ulnar impaction syndrome. In such settings, ulnar recession may be necessary to diminish load transmission across the ulnocarpal joint. We present a case of a 24-year-old man with chronic right ulnar wrist pain that illustrates the efficacy of the pronated-grip radiograph in assessing dynamic ulnar positive variance.     

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)     

MSCT图像重建技术在尺骨撞击综合征中的应用

目的评价MSCT图像重建技术在尺骨撞击综合征诊断中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析经腕关节镜检查证实的18例尺骨撞击综合征患者MSCT图像重建技术及标准后前位X线平片检查的影像资料,对尺骨变异、月骨及三角骨异常变化进行统计学分析。结果⑴MSCT图像重建技术及标准后前位X线平片检查测量出的尺骨变异差异无统计学意义(t=0.3562,P>0.05);⑵MSCT图像重建显示18例尺骨阳性变异15例,占总例数83.3%,其中阳性变异超过2 mm者11例,占总阳性变异的73.3%;中性及阴性变异3例,占总例数16.7%;⑶MSCT重建技术显示月骨和/或三角骨异常变化14例,占总例数77.8%,其中单纯月骨异常变化8例,月骨及三角骨同时异常变化5例,单纯三角骨异常变化1例。标准后前位X线平片能显示月骨和/或三角骨异常变化10例,占总例数55.6%,其中单纯月骨异常变化6例、月骨及三角骨同时异常变化4例,无单纯三角骨异常变化;⑷MSCT图像重建技术测量尺骨阳性伴月骨及三角骨异常变化14例,占总例数77.8%,尺骨阳性变异不伴月骨及三角骨异常变化1例,占总例数5.6%。阳性变异大于2 mm伴月骨及三角骨异常变化11例,占总例数61.1%,月骨及三角骨异常变化例数的78.6%。无尺骨中性及阴性变异伴月骨及三角骨异常变化。结论MSCT图像重建技术及后前位X线平片测量尺骨变异无统计学差异;尺骨撞击综合征发展过程中尺骨阳性变异呈易感因素;尺骨阳性变异大于2 mm时易引起月骨、三角骨异常变化;MSCT图像重建技术可以很好地显示尺骨变异及月骨、三角骨骨质硬化情况。     

Ulnar styloid triquetral impaction.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar styloid triquetral impaction (USTI), one of many causes of ulnar sided wrist pain, is a pathological entity with clear clinical and radiographic features, distinct and different from the impaction of the ulnar head against the lunate or ulno-carpal impaction (UCI). Pain is ulnar and point-tenderness is present precisely over the ulnar styloid as opposed to the proximal lunate in UCI. The provocative maneouvre of dorsiflexion in pronation followed by supination is markedly different from the ulnar deviation grind test maneouvres used to diagnose UCI. Multiple anatomical and pathological features interplay to produce a situation in which the distance between the tip of the ulnar styloid and the triquetrum is reduced resulting in USTI. The concept of ulnar styloid variance is introduced and anatomical variations of ulnar styloid length are demonstrated. METHODS: The clinical and radiographic features of 56 patients diagnosed with USTI were analysed. One thousand standardised film-file wrist radiographs were measured to determine the average length of the ulnar styloid in the population as well as the average projection of the styloid above the radius (ulnar styloid variance). RESULTS: An aetiological classification system for USTI was developed based on the clinical and radiographic features of the aforementioned patients and radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of this syndrome are often complex and classification of the aetiological features is clinically useful. It is important for physicians and surgeons to recognise the clinical and radiographic features of this syndrome in order to properly manage the symptoms and prevent an iatrogenic production of USTI.     

A Comparison of Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy Alone Versus Combined Arthroscopic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Debridement and Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Background

This study compared the results of patients treated for ulnar impaction syndrome using an ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) alone with those treated with combined arthroscopic debridement and USO.

Methods

The results of 27 wrists were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided into three groups: group A (USO alone, 10 cases), group B (combined arthroscopic debridement and USO, 9 cases), and group C (arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex [TFCC] debridement alone, 8 cases). The wrist function was evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Chun and Palmer grading system.

Results

The modified Mayo wrist score in groups A, B, and C was 74.5 ± 8.9, 73.9 ± 11.6, and 61.3 ± 10.2, respectively (p < 0.05). The DASH score in groups A, B, and C was 15.6 ± 11.8, 19.3 ± 11.9, and 33.2 ± 8.5, respectively (p < 0.05). The average Chun and Palmer grading score in groups A and B was 85.7 ± 8.9 and 84.7 ± 6.7, respectively. The difference in the Mayo wrist score, DASH score and Chun and Palmer grading score between group A and B was not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Both USO alone and combined arthroscopic TFCC debridement with USO improved the wrist function and reduced the level of pain in the patients treated for ulnar impaction syndrome. USO alone may be the preferred method of treatment in patients if the torn flap of TFCC is not unstable.     

Ulnar shortening osteotomy in idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome can be defined as a degenerative condition of the ulnar aspect of the wrist in patients with congenital or dynamic positive ulnar variance without a history of fracture or premature physeal arrest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome and the outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy for this group of patients. METHODS: Thirty-one wrists in twenty-nine patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome were treated with an ulnar shortening osteotomy. Ulnar variance was measured on an anteroposterior radiograph of the wrist, and radioulnar distance was measured on a lateral radiograph, with the forearm in neutral rotation, to evaluate any displacement of the ulnar head from the distal aspect of the radius. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a mean of thirty-two months. RESULTS: An average preoperative ulnar variance of +4.6 mm (range, 2 to 7.5 mm) was reduced to an average of -0.7 mm (range, -4 to +1 mm) postoperatively. Preoperatively, the modified Gartland and Werley score was an average (and standard deviation) of 69.5 +/- 7.6, with twenty-four wrists rated poor and seven rated fair. Postoperatively, the score improved to an average of 92.5 +/- 8.0, with twenty-four wrists rated excellent; five, good; one, fair; and one, poor. Dorsal subluxation of the distal aspect of the ulna was found concomitantly in nine wrists, and it was found to be reduced by the shortening osteotomy. Seven patients had cystic changes in the carpal bones preoperatively, but these were not evident one to two years after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar shortening osteotomy improved wrist function in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome and reduced the subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint, which is commonly found in these patients. Degenerative cystic changes of the ulnar carpal bones appear to resolve following the shortening osteotomy.     

Carpal impaction with the ulnar styloid process: treatment with partial styloid resection

Carpal impaction with the ulnar styloid process (stylocarpal impaction) occurs less frequently than with the ulnar head (ulnocarpal impaction), and more commonly develops in wrists with negative ulnar variance. Physical examination, radiographic evaluation, and wrist arthroscopy are all helpful in excluding alternative causes of ulnar wrist pain. When an ulnocarpal stress test elicits pain, and radiographs suggest that this is due to carpal impaction with the ulnar styloid, partial resection of the styloid process provides successful treatment, so long as the insertion of the triangular fibrocartilage at the base of the styloid is not disrupted.     

Comparison of ulnar shortening osteotomy and the wafer resection procedure as treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome

A retrospective review was performed that compared the results of 2 different surgical treatments for ulnar impaction syndrome in 22 patients over a 6-year period. Ulnar shortening osteotomy and wafer distal ulna resection (wafer resection procedure) were each performed in 11 patients based on the preference of 3 individual hand surgeons. All patients presented with ulnar wrist pain and positive ulnar variance on either neutral rotation or pronated-grip x-rays and each failed conservative management. At a minimum follow-up time of 18 months, 9 patients had good to excellent results following ulnar shortening osteotomy compared with 8 following the wafer resection procedure. This difference was not statistically significant. All patients regained functional wrist motion and 21 of the 22 patients had satisfactory pain relief. There was 1 poor result in the wafer group that required revision to complete resection of the distal ulna. Five secondary procedures were required in the osteotomy group to remove painful hardware and union was delayed in 2 patients. Although ulnar shortening osteotomy provides effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome, the wafer resection procedure provides favorable pain relief and restoration of function but without the potential for nonunion or hardware removal. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:55-60.