The Change of the Ulnar Variance in Accordance with the Wrist Position in Ulnocarpal Impaction Syndrome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the change of the ulnar variance (UV) as forearm rotation in patients with ulnocarpal impaction syndrome (UIS). METHODS: Twenty patients who suffered from ulnar side pain of the wrist and had abnormal lesions at ulno-basal side of the lunate in the radiologic examinations were included in this study. Their UVs in six wrist position (neutral, supination, pronation, neutral and grip, supination and grip, pronation and grip) were measured by the method of perpendiculars. UVs and the maximum change of UV in patients with UIS were compared with those of control group statistically. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in UVs of all forearm rotation and grip status. The maximum change of UV was in supination position to pronation and grip status for all cases. The mean maximum change of UV in patients with UIS was 2.03+/-1.03 mm, and that of control group was 1.86+/-0.86 mm. But there was no significant difference between them. The ulnar shortening osteotomy was performed for thirteen UIS patients, and one patient with osteoarthritis at distal radio-ulnar joint was operated with Darrach procedure. Six patients underwent conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the maximum change of UV as forearm rotation between UIS patients and control group.