Related Experiment Videos
An anomalous bifid distal ulna: A case report
1Orthopaedic Department, St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton SM5 1AA, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|September 24, 2013
Summary
A rare case of a bifid distal ulna developed after an epiphyseal injury, presenting as wrist stiffness. Surgical intervention led to a near-full recovery, highlighting a unique osteochondroma formation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Radiology
Background:
- Osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor, typically occurring in long bones.
- A bifid distal ulna is an extremely rare congenital anomaly.
- This case presents an acquired bifid distal ulna secondary to physeal injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of acquired bifid distal ulna.
- To describe the clinical presentation and management of this rare condition.
- To discuss the potential mechanism of osteochondroma formation following epiphyseal injury.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 19-year-old male with wrist stiffness and limited rotation.
- Imaging included plain radiographs and CT scan.
- Surgical intervention involved excision of an accessory ulna head and TFCC reconstruction.
Main Results:
- CT scan revealed a bifid distal ulna, not present on prior radiographs.
- Surgical excision of the accessory ulna head and TFCC reconstruction improved wrist function.
- One-year follow-up showed near-full recovery without complications.
Conclusions:
- An occult physeal injury to the distal ulna can lead to osteochondroma formation, resulting in a bifid ulna.
- This represents the first reported case of an acquired bifid distal ulna.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management can restore function in such rare cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...