POSTTRAUMATIC ULNOLUNATE IMPINGEMENT: ROLE OF ARTHROSCOPY

Purpose: Ulnolunate disorders secondary to fracture of the radius generally result from inversion of the distal radioulnal index due to the relative shortening of the radius creating a conflict between the head of the ulna and the proximal anterior articular surface of the semilunate and cartilage impingement. Arthroscopy can often provide the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.Material and methods: We reviewed a series of 32 patients, 15 men and 17 women, mean age 66 years (45–82). All presented sequelae of a fracture of the lower quarter of the radius with axial impaction. The ulnar variance was 2.7 mm (2–5). Time from initial fracture to arthroscopic resection was nine months (2–26). All patients presented pain, which was moderate and permanent in 19 and disabling in 13. Overall muscle force was reduced by 50% compared with the healthy side. Motion was limited due to the callus often associated with healing of these fractures. Patients underwent arthroscopy in an outpatient setting under locore...