Name of the Procedure:

Osteotomy; Ulna

• Common Name: Ulnar Osteotomy
• Medical Term: Ulnar Osteotomy

Summary

An ulnar osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which the ulna bone in the forearm is cut and realigned. This surgery is usually performed to correct deformities or length discrepancies in the ulna.

Purpose

• Medical Condition or Problem: Ulnar osteotomy addresses conditions such as ulnar impaction syndrome, congenital deformities, or malalignment after fractures.
• Goals: The main goals are to alleviate pain, restore proper alignment, and improve function and range of motion in the arm.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Chronic forearm pain, restricted movement, or noticeable deformities.
• Patient Criteria: Patients suffering from ulnar impaction syndrome, congenital deformities, or those who have had inadequate healing post-fracture.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may be required to fast for several hours before surgery. Medication adjustments might be necessary, and specific preoperative instructions will be provided.
• Diagnostic Tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the deformity and plan the surgical correction.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:
  1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general or regional anesthesia.
  2. Incision: A surgical incision is made over the ulna.
  3. Bone Cutting: The ulna is precisely cut.
  4. Realignment: The bone is realigned and may involve removing or adding bone segments.
  5. Fixation: Metal plates, screws, or pins are used to hold the bone in the new position.
  6. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
• Tools/Equipment: Scalpel, oscillating saw, bone clamps, fixation devices such as plates and screws.
• Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia is typically used.

Duration

The procedure generally takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Nurses
• Surgical Technicians

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Infection, bleeding, swelling.
• Rare Risks: Nerve or blood vessel damage, non-union or delayed healing of the bone, hardware irritation.
• Management: Anticipatory antibiotics, surgical site care, and follow-up appointments to monitor recovery.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Pain relief, improved arm function, and corrected bone alignment.
• Realization Time: Most benefits are typically realized within a few weeks to months post-surgery, as healing progresses.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Pain management, elevation of the limb, and physical therapy.
• Recovery Time: Full recovery may take several months. Patients may have restrictions on lifting and arm use, and follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor progress.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Non-surgical options include physical therapy, bracing or splinting, and pain management techniques.
• Pros and Cons: Non-surgical treatments may be less invasive but might not completely resolve the underlying issue, while surgery often offers more definitive correction.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: The patient will be under anesthesia and will not feel pain.
• After Procedure: Mild to moderate pain managed with medications, possible swelling, and a period of immobilization followed by rehabilitation. Comfort measures include pain medications and physical therapy exercises to aid recovery.