The pre-drilled hole method in the freehand technique for ulnar shortening osteotomy : a case series study

Ulnar shortening is a common procedure for treating ulnar wrist pain of various causes. Many tools and devices had been reported in the literature to facilitate the procedure, but not all are universally available. Freehand technique is still useful in clinical practice. Here we present a pre-drilled hole method to improve the outcomes of the freehand technique. From 2008 to 2012, a total of 51 patients at our institution underwent ulnar shortening with this method, with an -average follow-up period of 24.4 months (range, 12-62 months). The average shortening length was 4.6 mm (range, 3-8.5 mm). All patients had uneventful union at an average of 9.8 weeks (range, 8-14 weeks) after the surgery. All had improved functional results. All patients returned to their previous full level of work and activities. The pre-drilled hole method for ulnar shortening is an easy assist to the freehand technique. Also, the union rate is high, and complications are uncommon.