Pre-osteotomy plate application technique for ulnar shortening

Abstract

The self-compressing mode of the AO/ASIF LC-DC plate can be harnessed to close and compress modest osteotomy gaps that are created after provisional application of the plate with two screw holes on either side of the osteotomy. The oblique osteotomy cuts are made through 70% of the bone diameter and the actual osteotomy width is measured. After provisional plate application and removal, the cuts are completed and the plate is re-applied. Eccentric drilling of up to five holes of a 6-hole plate using the 3.5 mm universal drill guide allows closure and compression of osteotomy gaps of up to 4 mm. An interfragmentary screw is placed across the oblique osteotomy through the remaining hole. The technique is simple but requires careful planning and execution.