Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy or Wafer Procedure

Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy or Wafer Procedure

Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy or Wafer Procedure in Wayne, Paramus, and Parsippany NJ

If a patient has positive ulnar variance and persistent pain despite conservative management, they may be a candidate for an ulnar shortening procedure. This can be done through a wrist arthroscopy often performed at the same time as a TFCC debridement or repair. The procedure involves using an instrument to shave down the most distal portion of the ulnar head so that it no longer impacts the carpal bones. An ulnar shortening osteotomy involves cutting out a piece of the ulnar shaft to shorten the whole bones and fixing it with a plate and screws. In this case, the bone needs to heal at the site it was cut before the patient can return to activities.