How do you test for ulnar impaction syndrome?

A manual examination that includes palpation, range of motion and strength measurement is primarily used to determine the likelihood of ulnar impaction syndrome. However, a radiograph or MRI is a more conclusive means of diagnosing the condition.

What can cause positive ulnar variance?

This positive variance can be congenital1 or acquired2 radial shortening secondary to trauma—for example, a malunion of the radius after a distal radius fracture, an Essex-Lopresti injury, proximal migration of the radius after radial head excision, or premature physeal closure of the radius.

What is normal ulnar variance?

– mean ulnar variance is 0.9 mm (range: 4.2 to 2.3 mm); – functional anatomy: – w/ neutral variance, 80% of load is born by radius and 20% by ulna; – 2.5 mm increase in ulnar varience will increase load borne by ulno-carpal joint from 18% to 42%;

How common is ulnar impaction syndrome?

Studies suggest that between 3 and 9% of all sports injuries involve the wrist and/or hand. Andrew Hamilton looks at ulnar impaction, one of the more common injuries to affect this region, especially among older athletes.

Is positive ulnar variance normal?

Ulnar variance may be: neutral (both the ulnar and radial articular surfaces at the same level) positive (ulna projects more distally) negative (ulna projects more proximally)

Is ulnar shortening worth it?

This procedure has been the standard treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome for many years. Recent biomechanical studies have confirmed that an ulnar shortening osteotomy can improve the stability of the ulnar carpus and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).

Is neutral ulnar variance good?

The variance could be neutral, positive and negative. It is said to be neutral if articular surfaces of radius and ulna are at the same level i.e. the difference between ulnar and radial length is <1mm. It is positive if the ulnar articular surface is distal to radial.

How successful is ulnar shortening surgery?

Several studies have reported a high percentage of success with ulnar shortening osteotomy. Combining the results using standard technique and equipment, 79 of 90 patients (88%) achieved good or excellent results regarding pain relief and recovery of function, with only one nonunion (1%).

What is negative ulnar variance?

Abstract. Negative ulnar variance is a condition in which the ulna is relatively shorter than the radius at the carpus. It was found in 21% of 203 normal wrists.

How long is recovery from ulnar shortening surgery?

Activity: You will have very little use of the operative arm for about 8 weeks after surgery until the tissue and bone heal.

How is positive ulnar variance treated?

Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is the standard procedure for correcting positive ulnar variance. Goal of this procedure is to minimize the symptoms by restoring the neutral radio – ulnar variance.