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Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy and Reduction Assisted by 3D-Printed Guide Plate and Predrilling Technique.
Wu Xing1,2, Zhao Jianyong1,2, Zhang Zhisheng1,2
1Second Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Hebei Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Cangzhou, Hebei, China.
Journal of Wrist Surgery
|May 25, 2026
Summary
This study introduces 3D-printed guide plates for precise ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) using standard plates, improving accuracy and potentially reducing nonunion rates in ulnar impaction syndrome treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- 3D printing applications
Background:
- Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is standard for ulnar impaction syndrome.
- Lack of specialized plates and high costs are barriers to USO.
- Freehand techniques lack precision, necessitating improved methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 3D-printed guide plates for USO.
- To enable precise osteotomy and fixation using standard ulnar locking plates.
- To provide an alternative for facilities lacking specialized USO equipment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 87 patients.
- Utilized 3D-printed guide plates for precise USO and fixation.
- Assessed outcomes using PRWE, DASH, and patient satisfaction surveys.
Main Results:
- High patient satisfaction reported by 75 patients.
- Mean PRWE score: 26; Mean DASH score: 21.
- Achieved a 98.9% union rate with one nonunion treated successfully.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed guides ensure accurate ulnar shortening and angulation.
- The technique increases osteotomy contact area, potentially lowering nonunion risk.
- This method is ideal for hospitals without specialized USO plates.