Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain and Ulnar Impaction¶
Ulnar impaction / ulnocarpal abutment and ulnar-shortening osteotomy (corpus-synthesised).
Overview¶
Ulnar impaction syndrome is increasingly managed with arthroscopic decompression, while ulnar shortening osteotomy and open wafer resection remain established surgical options [1]. Surgical intervention is indicated when nonoperative treatment fails [2]. Primary surgical strategies focus on decreasing ulnocarpal load through either ulnar-shortening osteotomy or partial resection of the distal dome of the ulna [2]. Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a viable option for treating ulnar impaction syndrome regardless of the distal radioulnar joint angle [3]. In cases of ulnar impaction following distal radius malunions, ulnar shortening osteotomy offers a simpler procedure with shorter tourniquet time compared to distal radius corrective osteotomy [4].
Comparative retrospective studies indicate that the wafer procedure and ulnar shortening osteotomy achieve similar clinical and radiologic outcomes, including patient satisfaction, motion, grip strength, and pain relief [5, 28]. However, the wafer procedure is associated with fewer complications [28]. Long-term outcomes for ulnar shortening osteotomy in idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome remain satisfactory for at least 5 years, despite the development of osteoarthritic changes in the distal radioulnar joint [11].
A systematic approach to evaluating patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain is imperative, as other causes such as triquetrohamate, hamato-lunate, and triquetro-hamate impaction syndromes are underreported and often unrecognized [6, 9]. These impaction syndromes are potentially treatable with satisfactory results once identified [9]. In the context of distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation, the incidence of ulnar-sided wrist pain decreased significantly over time, with only 2.1% of patients experiencing pain at 12 months [12]. For neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injuries with ulnar impaction syndrome, a single-stage inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening procedure effectively corrects ulnar variance to neutral, achieving anatomical restoration and improvements in range of motion, grip strength, and pain reduction [15].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper-extremity disability [8, 14]. The differential diagnosis is complex [8, 14], and determining the etiology is often challenging due to overlapping history and physical examination findings [16]. A systematic approach to evaluating patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain is imperative [10]. Diagnosis requires a detailed history, systematic physical examination with provocative maneuvers, and appropriate diagnostic imaging [16]. Pediatric ulnar-sided wrist pain requires a methodical, anatomic approach to diagnosis and treatment, accounting for skeletal immaturity and potential syndromes [17]. In athletes, this pain is a common problem often resulting from a combination of overuse and acute injury [22]. Effective diagnosis and treatment in athletes requires careful understanding of sport-specific injuries and underlying biomechanics [22].
Overview of Entities¶
The diagnosis and imaging of ulnar-sided wrist pain involve discussing anatomy, pathophysiology, and radiographic appearance of common entities including TFCC tears, DRUJ disorders, and ECU tendon disorders [24]. Higher rates of distal radioulnar joint arthritis and extensor carpi ulnaris pathology were observed in patients with TFCC tears undergoing repair compared with age- and sex-matched controls without ulnar-sided wrist pain [26]. Further evaluation of direct multi-slice CT arthrography of the wrist in a larger patient population would be promising for depicting the triangular fibro-cartilage in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain [21].
Kinematics and Osseous Morphology¶
Ulnar variance increased linearly with incremental axial loading in an axial compression test using fresh-frozen cadavers [23]. Under incremental axial loading, the ulna shifted distally and radially while the lunate moved proximally and ulnarly, suggesting impingement under load [23]. The slope of the ulnar head is more strongly correlated with changes in the closest joint space in the distal radioulnar joint than that of the sigmoid notch in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome [25].
Classification¶
Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain: This condition is a common cause of upper-extremity disability with a complex differential diagnosis [8, 14]. A systematic approach to evaluating patients is imperative [10]. Pediatric cases require a methodical, anatomic approach that accounts for skeletal immaturity and potential syndromes [17]. The incidence of ulnar-sided wrist pain in distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation decreased significantly over time, with only 2.1% of patients experiencing pain at 12 months [12].
Triquetrohamate Impaction Syndrome: This is an underreported and often unrecognized cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain [6]. It is potentially treatable with satisfactory results once identified [9].
Hamato-lunate and Triquetro-hamate Impaction Syndromes: These are poorly recognized and underdiagnosed causes of refractory ulnar-sided wrist pain [9]. They are potentially treatable with satisfactory results once identified [9].
Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A large ulnar coverage ratio (UCR), representing the broad base of the lunate, is positively associated with the development of this syndrome [18].
Surgical Management Classification: When nonoperative treatment fails, primary surgical options to decrease ulnocarpal load include ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) and partial resection of the distal dome of the ulna (wafer procedure) [2]. Ulnar impaction syndrome can be treated with arthroscopic decompression [1]. Arthroscopic treatment with triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and arthroscopic ulnar wafer resection is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome [20]. Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a good option to treat patients with ulnar impaction syndrome regardless of the distal radioulnar joint angle [3]. Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a simpler procedure with a shorter tourniquet time compared to distal radius corrective osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome after distal radius malunions [4]. The wafer procedure and ulnar shortening osteotomy achieve similar clinical and radiologic outcomes for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome [5].
Clinical Presentation¶
Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper-extremity disability [8, 14] and presents with a complex differential diagnosis [8, 14]. Determining the etiology is often challenging due to overlapping history and physical examination findings [16]. A systematic approach to evaluating these patients is imperative [10]. Diagnosis requires a detailed history, systematic physical examination with provocative maneuvers, and appropriate diagnostic imaging [16].
Specific impaction syndromes are frequently underreported or unrecognized causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Triquetrohamate impaction syndrome is often missed [6]. Hamato-lunate and triquetro-hamate impaction syndromes are poorly recognized and underdiagnosed causes of refractory ulnar-sided wrist pain [9]. However, these conditions are potentially treatable with satisfactory results once identified [9].
Etiologic factors and demographic considerations influence presentation. A large ulnar coverage ratio (UCR), representing the broad base of the lunate, is positively associated with the development of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome [18]. In pediatric patients, ulnar-sided wrist pain requires a methodical, anatomic approach to diagnosis and treatment that accounts for skeletal immaturity and potential syndromes [17].
Post-traumatic presentation varies over time. The incidence of ulnar-sided wrist pain in patients with distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation decreased significantly with time, with only 2.1% of patients experiencing pain at 12 months [12].
Investigations¶
Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper-extremity disability with a complex differential diagnosis [8, 14]. Determining the etiology is often challenging due to overlapping history and physical examination findings [16]. A systematic approach to evaluating patients is imperative [10]. Diagnosis requires a detailed history, systematic physical examination with provocative maneuvers, and appropriate diagnostic imaging [16]. Pediatric ulnar-sided wrist pain requires a methodical, anatomic approach to diagnosis and treatment, accounting for skeletal immaturity and potential syndromes [17].
Plain radiography: Standard imaging is essential for initial evaluation, though specific radiographic signs for impaction syndromes are not detailed in the current evidence base.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is part of the appropriate diagnostic imaging required for diagnosis [16].
CT: Direct multi-slice CT arthrography of the wrist is a promising method for depicting the triangular fibro-cartilage in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain [21].
Other Considerations: Triquetrohamate impaction syndrome is an underreported and often unrecognized cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain [6]. Hamato-lunate and triquetro-hamate impaction syndromes are poorly recognized and underdiagnosed causes of refractory ulnar-sided wrist pain [9]. These syndromes are potentially treatable with satisfactory results once identified [9]. A large ulnar coverage ratio (UCR), representing the broad base of the lunate, is positively associated with the development of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome [18].
Treatment¶
Non-Operative¶
Surgery is indicated if nonoperative treatment fails [2].
Operative¶
Indications: Primary surgical options for ulnar impaction syndrome include ulnar-shortening osteotomy or partial resection of the distal dome of the ulna to decrease ulnocarpal load [2]. Effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome increasingly relies on arthroscopic decompression [1]. Ulnar shortening osteotomy and open wafer resection remain options for ulnar impaction syndrome [1].
Surgical Approach / Technique: Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a good option to treat patients with ulnar impaction syndrome regardless of the distal radioulnar joint angle [3]. The wafer procedure and ulnar shortening osteotomy for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome achieve similar clinical outcomes [5]. The wafer procedure and ulnar shortening osteotomy for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome achieve similar radiologic outcomes [5]. Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a simpler procedure with a shorter tourniquet time compared to distal radius corrective osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome after distal radius malunions [4]. Ulnar shortening osteotomy can be an attractive alternative to distal radius corrective osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome after distal radius malunions [4].
Adjuncts: Ulnar shortening osteotomy combined with arthroscopic débridement of the triangular fibrocartilage complex is effective for treating ulnar impaction syndrome [19]. Arthroscopic treatment with triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and arthroscopic ulnar wafer resection is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome [20].
Other Considerations: Wrist function recovered after an initial decrease from week 8 onward in patients undergoing ulnar shortening with the UOL for positive ulnar variance [7]. Clinical outcomes are satisfactory for more than 5 years after ulnar shortening osteotomy for treating idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome despite the presence of distal radioulnar joint osteoarthritic changes [11]. Triquetrohamate impaction syndrome is an underreported and often unrecognized cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain [6].
The incidence of ulnar-sided wrist pain decreased significantly with time after surgery in patients with distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation [12]. Only 2.1% of patients experienced ulnar-sided wrist pain at 12 months after surgery for distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation [12]. A single-stage procedure of inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening effectively corrected ulnar variance to a neutral position in neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injury with ulnar impaction syndrome [15]. The single-stage procedure of inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening achieved anatomical restoration in neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injury with ulnar impaction syndrome [15]. The single-stage procedure of inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening improved range of motion in neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injury with ulnar impaction syndrome [15]. The single-stage procedure of inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening improved grip strength in neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injury with ulnar impaction syndrome [15]. The single-stage procedure of inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening reduced pain in neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injury with ulnar impaction syndrome [15].
Complications¶
Ulnar-sided wrist pain: This condition is a common cause of upper-extremity disability [8]. Determining its etiology is often challenging due to overlapping history and physical examination findings [16]. Specific etiologies include triquetrohamate impaction syndrome, which is an underreported and often unrecognized cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain [6]. Additionally, hamato-lunate and triquetro-hamate impaction syndromes are poorly recognized and underdiagnosed causes of refractory ulnar-sided wrist pain [9]. In the context of distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation, the incidence of ulnar-sided wrist pain decreased significantly with time after surgery, with only 2.1% of patients experiencing pain at 12 months [12].
Recovery¶
Light activity (weeks): Wrist function typically recovers after an initial decrease from week 8 onward in patients undergoing ulnar shortening with the UOL [7].
Full activity (months): Clinical outcomes remain satisfactory for more than 5 years after ulnar shortening osteotomy for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome, despite the presence of distal radioulnar joint osteoarthritic changes [11].
Complete recovery / outcome plateau (months): Radiocarpal congruity progressively reverses after ulnar shortening osteotomy for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome, and this reversal of radiographic changes correlates with clinical improvements [30].
Rehabilitation protocol: Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a simpler procedure with a shorter tourniquet time than distal radius corrective osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome after distal radius malunions [4]. The wafer procedure and ulnar shortening osteotomy for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome achieve similar clinical and radiologic outcomes [5]. Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a good option to treat patients with ulnar impaction syndrome regardless of the distal radioulnar joint angle [3].
Functional milestones: The incidence of ulnar-sided wrist pain decreased significantly with time after surgery in patients with distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation, with only 2.1% of patients experiencing pain at 12 months [12]. A single-stage inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening effectively corrected ulnar variance to a neutral position in neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injury with ulnar impaction syndrome, achieving anatomical restoration and improvements in range of motion, grip strength, and pain reduction [15].
Key Evidence¶
- [L5] Effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome increasingly relies on arthroscopic decompression, though ulnar shortening osteotomy and open wafer resection remain options. (10.1016/j.hcl.2005.08.011)
- [Paper] Surgery is indicated if nonoperative treatment fails, with the primary options being ulnar-shortening osteotomy or partial resection of the distal dome of the ulna to decrease ulnocarpal load. (10.1016/j.hcl.2010.05.011)
- [L4] Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a good option to treat patients with ulnar impaction syndrome regardless of the distal radioulnar joint angle. (10.1177/17531934241262931)
- [L3] USO is a simpler procedure with a shorter tourniquet time that can be an attractive alternative to DRO for ulnar impaction syndrome after distal radius malunions. (10.1177/1558944716685831)
- [L1] The WP and USO for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome achieve similar clinical and radiologic outcomes. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.08.029)
- [L4] Triquetrohamate impaction syndrome remains an underreported and often unrecognized cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. (10.1177/1558944716670138)
- [L4] In ulnar shortening with the UOL, wrist function recovered after an initial decrease from week 8 onward. (10.1177/1558944717702465)
- [L5] Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper-extremity disability with a complex differential diagnosis. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.08.026)
- [L5] Hamato-lunate and triquetro-hamate impaction syndromes are potentially treatable with satisfactory results once identified, though they are poorly recognized and underdiagnosed causes of refractory ulnar-sided wrist pain. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.07.016)
- [L4] A systematic approach to evaluating patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain is imperative. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.07.004)
- [L4] The clinical outcomes are satisfactory for even more than 5 years after ulnar shortening osteotomy for treating idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome despite the osteoarthritic changes of the DRUJ. (10.4055/cios.2011.3.4.295)
- [L4] The incidence of ulnar-sided wrist pain decreased significantly with time after surgery, with only 2.1% of patients experiencing pain at 12 months. (10.1177/1753193416630525)
- [L5] Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper extremity disability with a complex differential diagnosis. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.04.036)
- [L5] The single-stage procedure effectively corrected ulnar variance to a neutral position, achieving anatomical restoration and improvements in range of motion, grip strength, and pain reduction. (10.1177/17531934241307501)
- [L5] Determining the etiology of ulnar-sided wrist pain is often challenging due to overlapping history and physical examination findings; a detailed history, systematic physical examination with provocative maneuvers, and appropriate diagnostic imaging are essential for diagnosis. (10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00407)
- [L5] Pediatric ulnar-sided wrist pain requires a methodical, anatomic approach to diagnosis and treatment, accounting for skeletal immaturity and potential syndromes. (10.5435/jaaos-d-21-01029)
- [L3] A large ulnar coverage ratio (UCR), which represents the broad base of the lunate, was positively associated with the development of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome. (10.1302/0301-620x.99b11.bjj-2016-1238.r2)
- [L4] Ulnar shortening osteotomy combined with arthroscopic débridement of the TFCC is effective for treating ulnar impaction syndrome. (10.1097/blo.0b013e31815a9e21)
- [L5] Arthroscopic treatment with triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and arthroscopic ulnar wafer resection is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.07.014)
- [L4] Further evaluation of direct multi-slice CT arthrography of the wrist in a larger patient population would be promising. (10.1007/s00330-008-1118-3)
- [L5] Ulnar-sided wrist pain in athletes is a common problem often resulting from a combination of overuse and acute injury, requiring careful understanding of sport-specific injuries and underlying biomechanics for effective diagnosis and treatment. (10.1016/j.csm.2019.12.008)
- [L5] Ulnar variance increased linearly with incremental axial loading, and the ulna shifted distally and radially while the lunate moved proximally and ulnarly, suggesting impingement under load. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.02.032)
- [L5] The article provides a concise approach to the diagnosis and imaging of ulnar-sided wrist pain, discussing anatomy, pathophysiology, and radiographic appearance of common entities including TFCC tears, DRUJ disorders, and ECU tendon disorders. (10.1016/j.csm.2006.02.008)
- [L4] The slope of the ulnar head is more strongly correlated with changes in the closest joint space in the distal radioulnar joint than that of the sigmoid notch. (10.1177/1753193419828330)
- [L3] We observed higher rates of distal radioulnar joint arthritis and extensor carpi ulnaris pathology in patients with TFCC tears undergoing repair compared with age- and sex-matched controls. (10.1177/1558944720937369)
- [L4] Retrospective studies comparing ulnar shortening osteotomy and the wafer procedure found similar patient satisfaction, motion, grip strength, and pain relief, but fewer complications using the wafer procedure. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.12.035)
- [L4] The RCC progressively reversed after ulnar shortening osteotomy, and this reversal of radiographic changes correlated with clinical improvements. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.02.038)
References¶
[1] Ulnar Impaction Syndrome. Hand Clinics. 2005. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2005.08.011
[2] Ulnar Impaction. Hand Clinics. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2010.05.011
[3] Does the distal radioulnar joint orientation influence the outcome of ulnar shortening osteotomy: a retrospective study. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2024. DOI: 10.1177/17531934241262931
[4] Ulnar Shortening Versus Distal Radius Corrective Osteotomy in the Management of Ulnar Impaction After Distal Radius Malunion. HAND. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716685831
[5] Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy Versus the Wafer Procedure in the Treatment of Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.08.029
[6] Triquetrohamate Impaction Syndrome: An Unrecognized Cause of Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain; Its Presentation Further Defined. HAND. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716670138
[7] Time-Dependent Recovery of Outcome Parameters in Ulnar Shortening for Positive Ulnar Variance: A Prospective Case Series. HAND. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1558944717702465
[8] Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain: Evaluation and Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears, Ulnocarpal Impaction Syndrome, and Lunotriquetral Ligament Tears. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.08.026
[9] Midcarpal Impaction Syndromes as a Rare Cause of Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain: A Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.07.016
[10] Examination of the Wrist: Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain Due to Ligamentous Injury. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.07.004
[11] Long-term Outcomes of Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: At Least 5-Years Follow-up. Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.4055/cios.2011.3.4.295
[12] Natural history and factors associated with ulnar-sided wrist pain in distal radial fractures treated by plate fixation. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1753193416630525
[14] Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain: Evaluation and Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears, Ulnocarpal Impaction Syndrome, and Lunotriquetral Ligament Tears. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.04.036
[15] Inverted dome radial osteotomy and ulnar shortening for neglected paediatric distal radial epiphyseal injury with ulnar impaction syndrome. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2024. DOI: 10.1177/17531934241307501
[16] Evaluation of Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2017. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00407
[17] Pediatric Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain: A Review of the Current Literature. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2022. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-21-01029
[18] Lunate morphology as a risk factor of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2017. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.99b11.bjj-2016-1238.r2
[19] Factors Affecting Results of Ulnar Shortening for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2007. DOI: 10.1097/blo.0b013e31815a9e21
[20] Arthroscopic Treatment of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.07.014
[21] Depiction of the triangular fibro-cartilage in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain: comparison of direct multi-slice CT arthrography and direct MR arthrography. European Radiology. 2008. DOI: 10.1007/s00330-008-1118-3
[22] Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain in the Athlete. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2019.12.008
[23] Influence of Dynamic Factors on Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: An Axial Compression Test Using Fresh-Frozen Cadavers. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.02.032
[24] Imaging of Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2006. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2006.02.008
[25] Distal radioulnar joint configurations in three-dimensional computed tomography in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2019. DOI: 10.1177/1753193419828330
[26] MRI Findings in Patients Undergoing Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repairs Versus Patients Without Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain. HAND. 2020. DOI: 10.1177/1558944720937369
[28] Surgical Management of Ulnocarpal Impaction Syndrome. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.12.035
[30] Radiographic Appearance and Patient Outcome After Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.02.038