Medium to long term functional and radiographic outcomes in patients with Madelung's deformity treated by isolated or combined radioulnar osteotomy

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IntroductionMadelung's deformity is a rare congenital condition of the wrist that can cause pain, aesthetic concerns, reduced range of motion and grip strength. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal age for surgery or whether operative procedures can be isolated or combined depending on the extent of the deformity. The main objective of our study was to analyze the postoperative functional clinical results at a minimum of 3-years follow-up in patients operated on for Madelung's deformity. The secondary objectives were (1) comparison of preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters, and (2) to assess whether certain preoperative radiographic parameters influence the choice of surgical procedure.HypothesisThe surgery offered at our center achieves clinical and radiological result necessary for long-term activities of daily living, and varies according to the severity of the distal radial deformity.Patients and methodsWe carried out a retrospective observational monocentric study including patients operated on between 2004 and 2016. Clinical (VAS, mobility), functional (PRWE score), and radiographic assessments were performed before and after the last follow-up.ResultsThe study included 11 patients (12 wrists) with a mean age of 17±7.3 years and a mean follow-up of 8.1 years (4-12.3). The mean VAS was 2.3 (0-6) and the mean PRWE score was 37 (0-108). The mean flexion-extension arc was 134° and that of pronation and supination was 142°. The mean grip strength was 25.8±11.8kg. Four out of 6 radiographic criteria were significantly improved. An isolated radial osteotomy or combined radioulnar osteotomy was performed when the sagittal radial tilt was greater than 30° and protrusion of the lunate greater than 5mm, otherwise below these values, an isolated ulnar osteotomy was performed.DiscussionOur center offers surgical management of Madelung's deformity by osteotomy which improves the majority of postoperative radiographic parameters and gives satisfactory clinical and radiographic results after a mean follow-up of 8.1 years. The surgery is influenced by the severity of the distal radial deformity, including protrusion of the lunate and sagittal radial tilt.Level of evidenceIV, Retrospective study.

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