儿童桡骨远段骨不连并重度腕部畸形的手术治疗

目的 探讨小儿桡骨远段骨不连并腕部畸形的治疗方法.方法 收治小儿桡骨远段骨不连并腕部畸形9例,其中开放性骨折合并感染7例,闭合性骨折2例.全部采用尺骨缩短、桡骨撑开植骨延长手术治疗.结果 术后随访6～30个月,平均22个月,骨不连全部愈合.8例取得良好外观和满意功能.术后感染1例,经治疗后愈合.腕部畸形复发1例,经再次行尺骨缩短联合远端骨骺阻滞术后改善.结论 治疗成功的关键是保证尺桡骨同步发育、促进骨折愈合和矫正畸形,尺骨缩短、桡骨撑开植骨延长是一种可行的方法.     

Use of free vascularized fibular graft for congenital ulnar pseudarthrosis: surgical decision making in the growing child

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the ulna may cause growth disturbance and progressive forearm deformity, leading to functional compromise of the upper extremity. Treatment is challenging, and surgical decision making must take into account three goals of treatment: bony healing, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability, and continued skeletal growth. Four cases of congenital ulnar pseudarthrosis treated with free vascularized fibular graft are presented here. In two cases, the vascularized fibular graft included the proximal fibular epiphysis to reconstruct the DRUJ and ulnocarpal joints. Average age of the four patients at time of vascularized fibular grafting was 10 years (range 3-16 years). Patients had undergone up to three previous failed operations. A step-cut osteotomy technique with rigid internal fixation was used in all patients. Donor-site distal tibiofibular arthrodesis was performed in skeletally immature patients when appropriate. At average follow-up of 60 months (range 33-83 months), all patients achieved bony union with full wrist range of motion compared with the contralateral extremity. The DRUJ was stable in all patients. Two skeletally immature patients with concomitant epiphyseal transfer showed continued skeletal growth. Two patients nearing skeletal maturity achieved revascularization of the distal ulna. Free vascularized fibular grafting is a successful option in the treatment of congenital ulnar pseudarthrosis. Reconstruction of the distal radioulnar and ulnocarpal joints using concomitant proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer should be considered in the skeletally immature patient with distal ulnar involvement.     

桡骨远端骨折对下尺桡关节稳定性的影响

目的:分析桡骨远端骨折后腕部功能与下尺桡关节稳定性之间的关系,探讨桡骨远端骨折影响下尺桡关节稳定性的原因。方法:85例桡骨远端骨折患者,男27例,女58例;年龄17~74岁,平均42.3岁。采用手法复位石膏外固定治疗,伤后6~9个月(平均6.7个月)摄腕关节正侧位X线CR片,检查下尺桡关节稳定性,采用Sarmiento改良的Gartland-Werley评分系统(GW评分)对腕部进行功能评估。结果:85例获得6~9个月随访,平均6.7个月。19例有下尺桡关节不稳定。下尺桡关节不稳与放射学检查下尺桡关节情况之间无明显的联系。下尺桡关节不稳的患者GW评分平均为12.37±5.899,稳定的患者GW评分平均为6.85±4.222,差异有统计学意义。尺骨茎突是否骨折其GW评分差异无统计学意义。是否有尺骨茎突骨折其下尺桡关节不稳发生率比较差异无统计学意义。结论:明显成角或短缩畸形的桡骨远端骨折损伤三角纤维软骨复合体可能是造成下尺桡关节不稳、影响腕部功能的主要原因。伴随桡骨远端骨折的尺骨茎突骨折对下尺桡关节稳定性无明显影响。     

Treatment of traumatic radial clubhand deformity with bone loss using the Ilizarov apparatus

Radial clubhand deformity secondary to atrophic nonunion of an open distal radius fracture with bone loss is a challenging reconstructive problem. Two patients with this deformity had staged reconstruction using the Ilizarov apparatus. After gradual realignment of the distal radius metaphyseal fragment, a proximal to distal bone transport of the radial shaft was done. At completion of the bone transport, the docking site was augmented with autologous iliac crest bone graft. Both patients achieved radiographic union at the proximal and distal ends of the bone transport site and were satisfied with the outcome. At 3 years followup, full finger and elbow mobility were maintained. The wrist had improved appearance with limited painless mobility. Posttraumatic radial club hand deformities with associated bone loss can be treated successfully with staged reconstruction using the Ilizarov apparatus and methodology.     

Ulnocarpal abutment after wrist arthrodesis

We report three patients aged from 22 to 34 years, in whom ulnocarpal abutment developed after wrist arthrodesis. Two were treated by excision of the triquetrum and one by excision of the pisiform. The three patients were seen after wrist fusion because of ulnar wrist pain on forearm rotation, which was relieved by excision of a carpal bone. Two patients had had wrist arthrodesis because of wrist pain resulting from degenerative arthritis and silicone synovitis resulting from silicone rubber replacement of the lunate as treatment for Kienb?ck's disease. One patient had had a wrist arthrodesis to treat degenerative arthritis after an intra-articular distal radius fracture. The arthrodeses were all done with an A. O. plate and iliac crest bone graft. One patient gained forearm rotation after the excision of the carpal bone and none of the patients lost rotation. The average follow-up was 16 months.     

Radiolunate and radioscapholunate arthrodesis

Summary Eleven patients underwent radiocarpal arthrodesis for a wrist disease other than rheumatoid arthritis. Operations included seven radiolunate fusions and four radioscapholunate fusions. The indication for surgery was posttraumatic changes secondary to radius fracture (five), Kienböck's disease (three), localized arthritis secondary to sepsis (two) and acute comminuted fracture of the distal radius (one). All patients had arthritis or post-traumatic changes limited to the articulation between the radius and carpus. Follow-up ranged from 24 months to 7 years, with an average of 41 months. Postoperatively, average range of motion of the wrist was 30.9° of extension, 22.7° of flexion, 10° of radial deviation, and 19.3° of ulnar deviation, and grip strength averaged 81.8% of that for the uninvolved hand. Pain relief was achieved in all patients, and they were able to return to their previous occupation. Bony union was achieved in all cases. Degenerative changes in the midcarpal joint were not seen.     

Sauvè-Kapandji operation for disorders of the distal radioulnar joint

A series of 13 patients is reported in which a Sauvè-Kapandji procedure consisting of arthrodesis of the articulation between the radius and ulna combined with resection of the collum ulnae was used to treat posttraumatic caput ulnae syndrome. Among the nine female and four male patients whose median age was 42 years (range: 23 to 77 years), nine sustained a distal fracture that had healed with shortening of the radius or with subluxation of the caput ulnae. Median postoperative observation time was 16 months (range: six to 27 months). Preoperatively, all patients had persistent medial wrist pain and restricted pronation-supination. At follow-up, ten patients were without symptoms and three others had improved significantly. No patient suffered from pain from the site of the resection. A significant improvement in pronation-supination of 45 degrees and flexion-extension of 25 degrees were found. Hand grip strength improved significantly during rehabilitation. At follow-up, the average hand grip strength on the operated wrists was 69% compared to the uninjured side.     

Isolated Madelung's deformity: long-term follow-up study of five patients treated surgically

Five patients with isolated Madelung's deformity were reviewed with an average follow-up of 34 years after surgery. All the patients were female and their average age at surgery was 12.7 years, whereas the average age at follow-up was 53 years. The deformity was bilateral in four patients and unilateral in one, for a total of nine deformities. At diagnosis, in all the patients the typical radial deviation of the hand was observed, with dorsal prominence of the distal end of the ulna. Pain and limitation of the range of motion were present in all the wrists except two, which were painless but presented marked functional impairment. In no patient did we observe growth disorders of the other bones or deformities typical of osteochondrodysplasias. Surgical correction was sought by both the families and the patients mainly for functional reasons, although cosmetic improvement was also expected. The operation consisted of closing-wedge osteotomy of the distal radial metaphysis and either shortening osteotomy or resection of the distal ulna. At follow-up, the range of motion of the wrists was improved, and all the patients were pain-free and satisfied with the final results. No significant radiographic osteoarthritis was present in any of the operated wrists, although four of the five patients were above 50 years of age.     

Tumor location affects the results of simple excision for multiple osteochondromas in the forearm

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of excision of osteochondromas in controlling the progression of forearm and wrist deformity remains an issue of controversy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of tumor excision in the correction of forearm and wrist deformity due to multiple osteochondromas in children, with an interpretation of the results based on different patterns of deformity. METHODS: Fourteen forearms in thirteen children with a follow-up of more than twenty-four months (average, fifty-three months) were included in the study. The forearms were divided into two groups on the basis of the location of the tumor and the pattern of deformity. In Group 1 (six forearms), the osteochondroma was only in the distal aspect of the ulna and caused compression of the radius. In Group 2 (eight forearms), tumors were in both the distal aspect of the ulna and the ulnar side of the distal part of the radius and were in contact with each other. Radial length, ulnar shortening, radial bowing, the radial articular angle, and carpal slip were measured as radiographic parameters. Ulnar shortening and radial bowing were expressed as a percentage of the radial length to make it possible to compare data between the individuals. Each parameter was evaluated before surgery and at the time of final follow-up. RESULTS: In Group 1, the percentage of ulnar shortening and the percentage of radial bowing had improved at the time of final follow-up; however, in Group 2, both the radial articular angle and the percentage of radial bowing had deteriorated significantly after the tumor excision (p = 0.049 and p = 0.017, respectively), even though the percentage of ulnar shortening showed no change. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of simple excision of osteochondromas of the distal aspect of the forearm is influenced by the tumor location and is related to the pattern of the deformity. Simple tumor excision can correct the forearm deformity in patients with an isolated tumor of the distal part of the ulna. Conversely, in patients with tumors involving the distal part of the ulna and the ulnar side of the distal end of the radius, tumor excision alone is a less promising procedure for the correction of the deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV.     

Childhood nonunion of ulna presenting with wrist deformity in an adult: a case report

We describe an adult patient with traumatic, nonunion of ulna sustained at 11 years of age who presented with wrist deformity. The possible pathogenesis, differential diagnoses and its successful management are described. A 23-year- old right hand dominant male presented with a progressive wrist deformity of his right upper limb. At 11 years of age, he sustained an isolated open fracture of the right forearm. He had nonoperative treatment. He had 60 degrees of ulnar deviation at wrist. He had no pain in the wrist or elbow. He was able to do all activities using his right upper limb. Radiograph revealed a nonunion of ulna in mid-shaft. The radius was bowed. Radiographs at the time of injury revealed a displaced both bones forearm fracture in mid-shaft. He underwent open reduction, internal fixation of ulna with bone grafting and a corrective osteotomy of the radius. The contracted Extensor carpi ulnaris was Z lengthened. Seven months postoperative, both the nonunion of ulna and radius osteotomy were consolidated. The wrist had no deformity. He had returned to preoperative activity level. Though nonunion is rare in pediatric forearm fractures, asymmetric bone and soft tissue growth can lead to deformities even in the absence of physeal injury. In addition to the standard treatment of nonunion, maintenance of the relative lengths of radius and ulna is essential, to obtain optimum function.     

Sliding osteotomy for deformity correction following malunion of volarly displaced distal radial fractures

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome after a sliding osteotomy for deformity correction following malunion of volarly displaced distal radius fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective review of a consecutive patient series. SETTING: A university-affiliated, tertiary-care center. PATIENTS/INTERVENTION: Ten patients with symptomatic distal radius malunion following a volarly displaced distal radial fracture (Smith's fracture) were treated with an oblique sliding osteotomy and plate fixation, through a volar approach, without using an iliac crest bone graft. Five men and five women with an average age of 41.9 years were followed for an average of 2.7 years postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Range of motion, grip strength, Fernandez wrist score, radiographic parameters. RESULTS: At latest follow-up, wrist extension improved from an average of 37 degrees preoperatively to 70 degrees postoperatively (P = 0.002), wrist flexion improved from an average of 40 degrees to 65 degrees (P = 0.012), and supination improved from an average of 31 degrees to 68 degrees (P = 0.002). Postoperative radiographs revealed an average deformity correction of 10.6 degrees of volar tilt, 7.7 degrees of radial inclination, 5.8 mm of ulnar variance, and 10.4 mm of volar translation. Using the Fernandez point score (0-20) system, the average overall score improved from 10.5 preoperatively to 17.6 postoperatively (P = 0.0001). Functional outcome was rated as excellent or good in 9 of 10 patients and fair in 1 patient (who experienced residual problems due to persistent ulnar-sided pain). There were two reoperations (one hardware removal, one distal ulnar hemiresection). CONCLUSIONS: This method reliably restores distal radial anatomy, decreases pain, and improves supination without requiring iliac crest bone grafting.     

Open reduction and internal locked fixation of unstable distal ulna fractures with concomitant distal radius fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results following locking plate fixation of unstable distal ulna fractures with concomitant distal radius fracture. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who had been treated with a locking plate for unstable displaced fractures of the distal ulna in which a concomitant ipsilateral distal radius fracture was also treated operatively. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed, and 5 patients were identified with an average age of 52 years (range, 47-61 years) and with follow-up averaging 11.6 months (range, 6-17 months). There were 2 open and 3 closed fractures. Included was 1 simple neck, 1 comminuted neck, 1 head, and 2 head and neck fractures of the distal ulna. All distal radius fracture implants were locked volar plates. RESULTS: All distal ulna and distal radius fractures united, and the average motion was: flexion 59 degrees ; extension 59 degrees ; pronation 67 degrees ; and supination 72 degrees . Average grip strength was 97% of the opposite extremity. Final ulnar variance averaged -0.4 mm (ulnar negative), radial inclination was 20 degrees , and volar tilt was 8 degrees . All distal radioulnar joints were stable. Two patients had mild, transient paresthesias of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve, and both patients recovered completely within 3 months. There were no subsequent surgeries or hardware failures. There were no infections and no wound problems. Based upon the Sarmiento modification of the Gartland and Werley rating score, there were 4 excellent results and 1 good result. CONCLUSIONS: Locked plating of unstable distal ulna fractures, in the setting of an associated distal radius fracture, resulted in union, good to excellent alignment and motion, nearly symmetric grip strength, and minimal transient morbidity.     

Results of the operative treatment in Madelung's deformity]

Nine wrists in eight patients were treated surgically between 1988 and 2003 for symptomatic Madelung's deformity. The pain of involved wrist followed by forearm deformation fulfilled criteria for surgery. Closing wedge osteotomy of the distal radius were carried out eight times accompanied by shortening of the ulna (four patients), excision of the distal ulna (one patient), and no ulnar surgery (three patients). Pain relieved after surgery. The follow up period ranged from 1 to 9.5 years. No pour results were stated in subjective patient's estimation during final check up. Wrist appearance were stated to be satisfactory. Limitation of the range of motion concerning supination and pronation of the forearm were stated invariably. X-ray retrospective assessment of the inclination angle, lunate coverage and presence of arthritic changes were conducted. Time and method of surgical treatment for Madelung's deformity should be considered individually.     

Forearm post-traumatic deformities: Classification and treatment

Introduction

There is no classification for acquired forearm deformities. A clinical-radiographic study was conducted to classify these deformities and evaluate the results.

Materials and methods

Thirteen patients with forearm deformities following traumas or their treatment were included (11 men and two women, from 2000 to 2010). Mean age was 31 years (range 10–75 years). Initial treatment was conservative in five patients and surgical in eight patients. One segment was affected in seven patients (the radius in four patients, the ulna in three), and both segments were affected in six patients. Location assessment: 2 projections X-rays, including wrist and elbow. Deformity location: proximal, diaphisary, distal, defined with the abbreviation, in distal sense, R1, R2, R3 for the radius, and U1, U2, U3 for the ulna. Primary and secondary deformities were distinguished: secondary deformities occurred later in a different location than the primary one. Six patients were treated with plate and screws. An external fixator was used in six patients. One patient was treated with bone resection. Iliac crest bone graft was used in 10 patients, and vascularised fibula graft in one patient.

Results

The primary deformity affecting the radial diaphysis (R2) determined a secondary deformity in four patients: in the distal ulna (U3) with ulnocarpal dislocation in three patients and in the distal radius (R3) in one patient. Results of osteosynthesis treatment were excellent in one patient, satisfactory in four and unsatisfactory in one. External fixation was excellent in one patient and satisfactory in five. Bone resection was satisfactory in one patient.

Discussion

Surgical treatments with osteosynthesis are the major cause of acquired forearm deformities in adults. Location and aetiology of the deformities are essential for the surgical indication and the result. It is important to restore the length of the deformed segment, realigning the anatomical axis. X-rays enable clinicians to distinguish between primary and secondary forearm deformities.

Conclusion

Characteristics and locations of post-traumatic deformities were identified. The major location is diaphisary and distal, the elbow is rarely affected. The functional consequence is a limitation in the range of motion of the hand. The best results are achieved with short-term treatment.     

腕关节镜下治疗尺骨茎突骨折

目的 探讨腕关节镜监视下治疗尺骨茎突骨折的方法,以获得更好的治疗效果.方法 对15例尺骨茎突骨折的患者,在C臂透视机及腕关节镜监视下先将合并的桡骨远端骨折进行复位,经皮穿针内固定或切开复位钢板内固定,然后在腕关节镜下检查三角纤维软骨复合体(triangular fibrocartilage complex,TFCC)是否损伤,并作修整、清理等相应的处理,在关节镜监视下将尺骨茎突骨折复位,经皮作钢丝张力带内固定.结果 11例合并有TFCC损伤,经平均15.4个月的临床随访,X线片检查显示尺骨茎突骨折全部骨性愈合,骨性愈合时间平均5.2个月.按照Green-O'Brien功能评定方法进行腕关节功能评定,优良率为93.3%,无腕关节尺侧疼痛及腕关节不稳等并发症发生.结论 腕关节镜下治疗尺骨茎突骨折既可以对骨折进行有效的复位及固定,有利于骨折的愈合;又可以了解腕关节内TFCC等结构的损伤程度,便于早期处理,以免遗留慢性腕痛或腕关节不稳定.     

Stability of the forearm after resection of the distal ulna and proximal radius in rheumatoid arthritis: report of 11 cases

Combined resection of radial head and distal ulna could jeopardize the stability and kinematics of the forearm bones. The goals of this retrospective study was to investigate these data after resection of distal ulna and proximal radius in rheumatoid arthritis. Between 1990 and 1998, eleven patients had these bone resections combined with implantation of elbow prostheses (eight Kudo and three GSB III). Wrist surgery consisted in five wrist arthrodeses combined with Darrach procedure, four Sauvé-Kapandji procedures and two isolated Darrach procedures. Mean age at surgery was 58 years and the average follow-up was 40 months. We assessed at follow-up: 1) wrist and elbow pain according to Gschwend; 2) stability of the forearm bones (cubitus valgus angle, impingement of the proximal radial stump with humerus, giving away accident of the ulnar distal stump); 3) wrist and elbow mobility. At follow-up six patients had no pain at the elbow and five had slight occasional pain. At the wrist, five patients had no pain and six slight occasional pain. Elbow motion was increased (from mean 83 degrees [50 degrees-100 degrees] to mean 110 degrees [85 degrees-135 degrees]) excepted in supination which slightly decreased (from mean 3 degrees [40 degrees-90 degrees] to mean 75 degrees [85 degrees-90 degrees]). Mean wrist mobility was impaired because of the five combined radiocarpal arthrodeses. If these five wrist arthrodeses were excluded, the mean ranges of motion were: 10 degrees in flexion, 16 degrees in extension, 2 degrees in radial deviation, 14 degrees in ulnar deviation. At follow-up, no patient had giving away accident of the ulnar distal stump nor impingement between radial stump and humerus in full flexion. Average cubitus valgus was 10 degrees. This study pointed out the predominant effect of the interosseous membrane in stability of the forearm bones.     

Radio-ulnar dissociation. A review of twenty cases.

The results of treatment were reviewed for twenty patients who had sustained concomitant injuries of the lateral compartment of the radiohumeral joint and the ipsilateral distal radio-ulnar joint. The ages of the patients ranged from eight to seventy-four years (average, thirty-five years) and the duration of follow-up ranged from four months to twenty-seven years (average, 113 months). In fifteen patients, the injury of the wrist was diagnosed after a mean delay of seven years and eleven months (range, one month to twenty-six years). In all fifteen, the radial head injury was treated by excision, either initially or after some delay. After excision of the radial head, all fifteen patients complained of severe pain at the distal radio-ulnar joint. The results, on the basis of elbow and wrist scores of fair or better without complications, were satisfactory in only three patients. In the remaining five patients, in whom the injuries of both the elbow and the wrist had been identified at the initial evaluation, the radial head was either preserved or replaced. The results, on the basis of elbow and wrist scores of fair or better, were graded as satisfactory in four of these patients. Our data show that any injury to the lateral side of the elbow should prompt a careful evaluation of the ipsilateral distal radio-ulnar joint for associated instability.     

带骨骺腓骨近段移植重建小儿尺骨远端骨骺2例

目的探讨吻合血管带骨骺腓骨近段移植重建小儿骨软骨瘤切除后尺骨远端骨骺、矫正腕关节畸形的临床效果。方法采用吻合血管带骨骺腓骨近段移植重建2例小儿骨软骨瘤切除后尺骨远端骨骺、矫正其腕关节畸形,并评价其临床效果。结果2例患儿的腕关节尺偏畸形得到矫正,术后2个月所有腓骨移植近段与受区骨端愈合良好．分别随访1年和6年,重建的尺骨远端与健侧肢体几乎同步生长,腕关节形态功能满意。结论吻合血管带骨骺腓骨近段移植能有效重建小儿骨软骨瘤切除后尺骨远端骨骺并长期矫正其腕关节尺偏畸形。     

Treatment of radiocarpal degenerative osteoarthritis by radioscapholunate arthrodesis and distal scaphoidectomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess wrist pain, range of motion, and the presence of radiographic midcarpal degenerative joint disease (DJD) in patients who had a distal scaphoidectomy in association to a radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis and to compare these findings with prior studies of patients with only an RSL fusion. METHODS: Sixteen patients with radiocarpal DJD treated by RSL arthrodesis and distal scaphoidectomy were evaluated retrospectively for pain relief and range of motion at an average follow-up period of 37 months (range, 12-84 mo). Radiographs were assessed for the presence of secondary radiographic midcarpal DJD. RESULTS: Complete pain relief was obtained in 10 patients, 3 patients complained of slight pain during strenuous loading, and 3 patients had occasional pain with regular activities. The average postoperative ranges of motion were 32 degrees of flexion, 35 degrees of extension, 14 degrees of radial deviation, and 19 degrees of ulnar deviation. Two patients exhibited secondary midcarpal DJD. These results are significantly better compared with those previously published about RSL arthrodesis alone in terms of residual pain and decrease of wrist radial deviation and flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who require an RSL arthrodesis for the treatment of severe localized radiocarpal DJD appear to have less pain and to retain more flexion and radial deviation if the distal scaphoid is excised concomitantly. This associated procedure also may help prevent secondary midcarpal DJD.     

Distal ulna hook plate fixation for unstable distal ulna fracture associated with distal radius fracture

The significance of distal ulna fractures is often undermined, which can result in inadequate treatment compared with fractures of the radius, the ulna's larger counterpart. However, little guidance exists in the current literature on how to manage distal ulna head or neck fractures and intra-articular ulna head fractures. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of distal ulna hook plate fixation for the treatment of an unstable distal ulna fracture associated with a distal radius fracture.Twenty-five patients with unstable distal ulna fractures who underwent stable fixation for an associated distal radius fracture were included in the study. All patients achieved satisfactory reduction and bony union. Average final motion was as follows: wrist flexion, 72° (range, 60°-85°); extension, 69° (range, 65°-80°); pronation, 77° (range, 55°-95°); supination, 82° (range, 65°-90°); ulnar deviation, 35° (range, 15°-50°); and radial deviation, 24° (range, 10°-40°). Average postoperative grip strength was 28 kg (range, 22-30 kg) and was 91% (range, 71%-100%) in the cases in which the dominant hand was injured and 80% (range, 65%-100%) in the cases in which the nondominant hand was injured. Average postoperative modified Mayo wrist score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 87 points (range, 65-100 points) and 14 points (range, 0-54 points), respectively. Chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint was not encountered in any patient. Thus, the study demonstrated that distal ulna hook plate fixation for the treatment of unstable distal ulna fractures can achieve healing with good alignment, satisfactory function, and minimal transient morbidity.