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Wide excision of the distal ulna: biomechanical testing of a salvage procedure
Jeffrey A Greenberg1, Hiromi Yanagida, Frederick W Werner
1Indiana Hand Center, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA.
Purpose:
To study changes in the relationship of the distal radius and ulna after progressive resection of the distal ulna.
Method:
Six-degree-of-freedom motion sensors were used to determine relative motion and a displacement transducer was used to determine strain changes in the interosseous membrane (IOM). These were applied in cadaveric specimens loaded to simulate wrist motion and axial compressive forces.
Results:
Strain in the IOM decreased with increasing resection of the distal ulna. The distance between the radius and ulna decreased with increasing resection up to 20% of ulna length.
Conclusions:
The decreased strain in the IOM and stabilization of the distance between the radius and ulna at 20% resection level provides biomechanical support for the satisfactory clinical results seen after wide ulnar resection. Wide excision of the distal ulna may be a viable salvage alternative to creation of a one-bone forearm.
