Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
05:18
Author Spotlight: Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
1.9K
Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Instability Following Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy
Mohamed Noureldin1, Sanjeev Kakar2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio.
Journal of Wrist Surgery
|April 22, 2017
Summary
Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) can rarely cause extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon instability. Persistent ulnar pain after USO may indicate ECU instability, requiring consideration in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Hand and wrist surgery
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Background:
- Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is a standard surgical treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome.
- While generally safe, USO carries risks of complications such as nonunion, malunion, and hardware irritation.
- Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon instability is an uncommon but potential complication following USO.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old female patient experienced ECU tendon instability after undergoing an USO.
- This case highlights a specific, albeit rare, adverse outcome of the procedure.
Findings:
- The etiology of ECU instability post-USO can be complex and multifactorial.
- Recurrent ulnar pain after USO should prompt evaluation for ECU instability.
Implications:
- Clinicians should include ECU instability in the differential diagnosis for patients with persistent ulnar pain after USO.
- This emphasizes the importance of thorough post-operative assessment and considering less common complications.
- Early recognition and management of ECU instability can improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
10.2K
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...
10.2K
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
10.6K
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...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
10.6K
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
2.8K
The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
2.8K
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
3.2K
Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
3.2K
01:16Muscles that Move the Forearm
4.1K
The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints.
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
4.1K