Segmented Ulnar Transposition to Defect of Ipsilateral Radius in the Forearm

Chung, Duke Whan; Han, Soo Hong; Lee, Jae Hoon; Kwon, Boo Kyung

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ulna is nearly equal to radius in function and bony architecture and strength in forearm. But in lower extremity, fibula is 1/5 of tibia in anatomic and functional point so we can find fibula transposition is commonly used in defect of tibia. We cannot find other article about segmental forearm bone transposition in man. The purpose of this study was to report our clinical and functional result of undergoing segmented transposition of ipsilateral ulna with its own vascular supply in defect of radius in 6 cases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From June 1994 to October 2007, 7 segmented bone transpositional grafts in forearm were performed in Kyung Hee Medical Center. The distribution of age was from 20 years old to 73 years old. There was male in 6 cases and female in 1 case. The causes of operation were giant cell tumor in 1 case and traumatic origin in 6 cases; it was nonunion in 2 cases and fracture with severe comminution in 4 cases. Ipsilaterally segmented ulna keeping its own vascular supply was transported to defect of radius in severe traumatic patients and one patient whose tumor in radius had been excised. Transported ulna was fixed to proximal and distal radius remnants by plate and screw. In one case with giant cell tumor, transported ulna was connected to radius across wrist joint as wrist joint fusion. Joint preserving procedures were performed in 6 cases with crushing injury of radius.
RESULTS
We could obtain solid bony union in all cases and good functional results. The disadvantage was relative shortening of forearm, but we could overcome this problem.
CONCLUSION
We think that ipsilateral segmented ulna transposition keeping its own vascular supply to radius can be perfomed with one of procedures in cases with wide defect in radius.