Reverse segmental pedicled ulna transfer as a salvage procedure in wrist fusion.
A new technique for wrist fusion using vascularized bone graft is described. A distally based, pedicled segment of the distal ulna, nourished by the ulnar artery or the distally based palmar-ulnar branch of the anterior interosseus artery was used in three patients to restore carpal height after infection (n=2) or tumour resection (n=1). The forearm is converted to a situation similar to a wide ulnar resection. All three wrist fusions healed uneventfully. This new technique is suitable in cases where a vascularized bone graft is required, but microsurgical techniques are not appropriate or are rejected by the patient.
Germann
G
G
BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Clinic for Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ludwigshafen, MN, Germany. Guenter.germann@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Sauerbier
M
M
Steinau
H U
HU
Wood
M B
MB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005260:Female; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D014457:Ulna / Q000637:transplantation*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*