title: Freehand technique with the predrilled hole method for ulnar-shortening osteotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ulnar shortening is a common and useful method for treating ulnar wrist pain from many causes. Many devices used to perform osteotomy have been introduced in the literature; however, the devices are not universally available. The standard freehand technique is still commonly used in clinical practice; however, it is associated with several complications and is time-consuming. We present a freehand technique for ulnar-shortening osteotomy using a predrilled hole method.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2011 to 2013, we performed the predrilled hole method for ulnar shortening in 18 cases using the six-hole limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and in two cases using the Acumed six-hole Locking Midshaft Ulna Plate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients had uneventful union, and the average operative time was 39.7 minutes (range, 32-50 minutes). The average follow-up period was 21 months (range, 12-30 months). There were no complications except in three patients in the LC-DCP group who complained of implant irritation. Good functional outcomes were achieved with this method.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our technique is easy and quick to use and can minimize soft-tissue manipulation. The union rate is high and complications are few.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC; Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Hui-Kuang
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Electronic address: jpwang@vghtpe.gov.tw.
authors.forename: Jung-Pan
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Shih-Tien
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Yi-Chao
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Chien-Lin
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014457:Ulna / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: freehand; osteotomy; shortening; triangular fibrocartilage; ulnar impaction syndrome