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Ulnar shortening osteotomy is surgery to remove a small section of the ulna, one of the two forearm bones. The surgeon joins the cut ends with a plate and screws. Shortening the ulna can reduce pressure on the little finger side of the wrist. The procedure may relieve pain caused by excessive contact between the ulna and wrist bones.
read more about ulnar shortening osteotomy ...The operation may be considered for persistent pain from ulnar impaction syndrome. It may also be an option for selected injuries involving the triangular fibrocartilage complex, or TFCC. A hand surgeon assesses symptoms and imaging before recommending it. Activity changes, supports, or other nonsurgical treatments are generally tried first.
The surgeon makes an incision along the forearm and cuts the ulna. A measured section of bone is removed to reduce pressure at the wrist. The remaining ends are brought together and secured with a plate and screws. The bone must then heal across the cut.
A splint or cast may protect the forearm during early healing. The surgeon sets limits on lifting and wrist use until the bone is strong enough. Follow-up X-rays show whether the cut ends are joining. Hand therapy may help restore movement and strength.
Risks include infection, stiffness, nerve irritation, and continued wrist pain. The cut bone may heal slowly or fail to unite. The plate can irritate nearby tissue and may later need removal. The surgeon reviews these possibilities before the operation.
No. The surgeon removes a measured section and reconnects the remaining bone.
It reduces the load where the ulna meets structures on the little finger side of the wrist. Pain relief depends on the cause of the symptoms.
The surgeon uses follow-up examinations and X-rays. Activity restrictions may change as healing progresses.
They can remain in place after healing. Removal may be considered if the hardware causes discomfort.
Outcomes and complications of ulnar shortening osteotomy: an institutional review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4551633/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Risk Factors for Complications in Ulnar Shortening Osteotomies: A Multicenter Retrospective Review. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37436341/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Time-Dependent Recovery of Outcome Parameters in Ulnar Shortening for Positive Ulnar Variance: A Prospective Case Series. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5950970/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Ulnar Osteotomy. The Iowa Clinic. https://www.iowaclinic.com/specialties/bone-joint/hand-surgery/surgical-hand-procedures/ulnar-osteotomy/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy: Are Complications Under Reported? PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4642463/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.