Outcomes of radialization with ulnar cuff osteotomy for radial longitudinal deficiency: a medium-term follow-up study

Addressing the deforming stresses arising from soft tissue and continued skeletal development is crucial to obtain long-term correction of forearm carpal alignment in Radial longitudinal deficiency. The aim of the present study was to report the medium-term follow-up results of radialization with ulnar cuff osteotomy in children. A total of 17 patients (21 involved limbs) with a mean follow-up of 66 months (range 50 to 96) were reviewed. Mean correction of the hand forearm angle at the final follow-up was 51°. Mean hand forearm position preoperatively and at the final follow-up were -1.1 cm (SD 0.9) and +1.3 cm (SD 0.8), respectively. This metaphyseal osteotomy relaxed the radial structures throughout the original phase of deformity correction. The mean ulnar growth was 62% of the contralateral side at the final follow-up. Our technique may provide a feasible solution to the correction and prevent recurrence of deformity while maintaining ulnar growth in the medium to longer term.Level of evidence: III.