The Arthroscopic Wafer Procedure in Patients with Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Abstract

Aim

We aimed to show the outcomes of patients with ulnar impaction syndrome who had surgical treatment with the arthroscopic wafer procedure between 2013 and 2024.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed data from 22 patients (22 wrists) treated with the arthroscopic wafer procedure. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and Mayo Wrist scoring systems were used for clinical evaluation, grip strength, and wrist range of motion (ROM) were compared with the nonoperative side, local tenderness examination at triangular fibrocartilage complex location between pisiform bone and ulnar head and ulnar grind test were evaluated. Patients were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the surgery. In radiological evaluations, preoperative and postoperative ulnar variance was measured.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 58.6 months. The mean VAS score was 2.86, the mean DASH score was 24.58, and the mean MAYO score was 72.64. There was no significant difference in wrist ROM between the operated side and the contralateral side (p > 0.05). The mean time to return to work after surgery was 6 weeks. A total of 77.3% of the patients had good or very good results. No complications were encountered in our study.

Conclusion

According to our study findings, arthroscopic wafer procedure as a minimally invasive method provided satisfactory clinical and functional results with lower complication rates in patients with ulnar impaction syndrome.

Keywords

ulnar impaction syndrome - wafer - arthroscopy - wrist

Publication History

Received: 22 February 2025

Accepted: 27 May 2025

Article published online:
16 June 2025

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