Treatment for ulnar shortening caused by osteochondromatosis

Abstract Background: This study investigates treatments for ulnar shortening caused by osteochondromatosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with osteochondromatosis and admitted to Xiamen University Affiliated First Hospital and Fudan Zhongshan Xiamen Hospital from February 2017 to February 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the dislocation status of the radial head: the dislocation group and the non-dislocation group. The effectiveness of treatments was evaluated by comparing wrist movement, forearm rotation function, elbow movement, length discrepancy between the radius and ulna, presence of radial head dislocation, and carrying angle. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the annual length discrepancy between the radius and ulna before and after surgery, in both the dislocation and non-dislocation groups (P < 0.05). A similar statistically significant difference was also observed in the carrying angle between the groups (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference in elbow and wrist function was observed before and after surgery in either of the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Resection of osteochondroma can reduce further aggravation of ulnar deformity. Ulnar shortening contributes to secondary radial head dislocation, and ulnar lengthening can effectively treat this condition.