title: The distal radial decompression osteotomy for ulnar impingement syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The decompression of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is performed by ulnar translation of the radial shaft proximal to the sigmoid notch, i.e. detensioning of the distal part of the interosseous membrane (DIOM) while containment of the DRUJ is achieved by closed wedge osteotomy of the radius. The osteotomy shortens the radius which entails detensioning of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Facilitating the modified Henry approach to the distal palmar radius a radial based wedge osteotomy is applied. The proximal osteotomy is proximal to the ulnar head and distal osteotomy is proximal to the sigmoid notch to prevent iatrogenic impingement. Ulnar translation of the radial shaft is performed to loosen the DIOM. The closed wedge osteotomy reduces radial inclination which will foster containment of the DRUJ.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Distal radial decompression osteotomy of the DRUJ preserves DRUJ function while relieving painful impingement. Further surgical interventions are not compromised in case of failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Elisabethenstr. 19, 88212, Ravensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Krimmer
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstraße 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Germany.|Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Unglaub
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Waldeyerstr. 1, 48129, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstraße 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Germany. christianspies27@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Christian K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Spies
mesh_terms: D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy; D011884:Radius / Q000601:surgery*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Decompression; Distal interosseous membrane; Distal radioulnar joint; Osteotomy; Ulnar impingement