Ulnar impaction syndrome: Managed by wrist arthroscopy.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Wrist Arthroscopy
• Handicraft Industry Impact

Background:

• Increasing incidence of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome (UIS) linked to repetitive wrist activities.
• Limitations of traditional ulnar shortening osteotomy, including higher complication rates.
• Need for early diagnostic criteria and effective treatment for UIS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish early diagnostic criteria for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome (UIS).
• To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic treatment for UIS.
• To share experiences with individualized arthroscopic surgical management of UIS.

Main Methods:

• Enrolled 9 patients diagnosed with UIS.
• Utilized MRI, X-ray, and endoscopic findings to define diagnostic criteria.
• Implemented individualized arthroscopic treatment based on ulnar variance: wafer resection for <4mm, triangular fibrocartilage complex resection and osteotomy for >4mm.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved wound healing without complications.
• 92.3% of patients experienced excellent or good outcomes based on the Green and O'Brien scoring system.
• Significant improvement in wrist activity post-operation (P < 0.05), with return to normal life and work.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopy enhances diagnostic accuracy for UIS.
• Arthroscopic interventions optimize treatment strategies and shorten recovery times.
• Arthroscopic treatment of UIS yields favorable clinical results and high patient satisfaction.