Technique of ulnar shortening

Abstract

Ulnar shortening or recession is a common treatment for an expanding number of clinical indications. This procedure has become more reliably performed because of specialized equipment that permits the creation of 2 precise 45-degree osteotomy surfaces and a known amount of ulnar shortening. Further refinements in technique have facilitated compression of the osteotomy surfaces and application of an interfragmentary lag screw at a specified angle. More recently, advancements in technology have increased the surgical options available to the surgeon and have provided for a low-profile surgical plate that may be placed on either the ulnar subcutaneous border or the volar-ulnar surface. In addition, osteotomy widths ranging from 3.5 to 18.1 mm may be performed with the available equipment. The complication rate of ulnar shortening is very low, and the overall clinical success rate is encouragingly quite high.