Long-Term Follow-Up of Ulnar Growth in Radial Dysplasia Treated by a Combination of Distraction and Radialization

Purpose To study the long-term results of radial club hand, regarding ulna growth, radial angulation, and volar subluxation using a 2-stage treatment protocol.Methods From 1998 to 2009, 39 radial club hands (32 patients) were treated with distraction, radialization, and a bilobed flap. Long-term follow-up was available in 13 patients (17 hands; average 12.6 years, range 9e16 years). All 17 hands were classified as Bayne and Klug grade 3 or 4.Results The average age at distraction was 12 months (SD 5.3). The average age at radialization was 14 months (SD 5.8). At final follow-up, the average ulna length on the involved side was 69.3% of the uninvolved contralateral side in the unilateral cases. In the 4 bilateral cases, the average ulna length was 62% of the ulna length of a cohort of normal children. The transverse diameter of the ulna in the posteroanterior view was 79%, and in the lateral view 99%, of the radius on the contralateral side in the unilateral cases. The average radial deviation improved from 82 degrees to 8 degrees and the average volar subluxation improved from 20 degrees to 12 degrees. However, in 4 hands recurrent volar subluxation and required revision surgery. Conclusions This approach to treatment was associated with consistent results in the correction of the radial angulation, volar subluxation, and ulna growth in long-term follow-up. Volar subluxation may result in a requirement for revision. (J Hand Surg Am. 2023;48(7):738.e1e8. Copyright (c) 2023 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.)Type of study/Level of evidence Therapeutic IV.