The outcomes of hemi-CC7 transfer for restoration of shoulder motor function or median nerve function following posttraumatic brachial plexus injury do not justify the risk of donor-site morbidity, which includes possible permanent motor and sensory losses.

Ulnar impaction syndrome is a common source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. It is a degenerative condition that occurs secondary to excessive load across the ulnocarpal joint, resulting in a spectrum of pathologic changes and symptoms. It may occur in any wrist but is usually associated with positive ulnar variance, whether congenital or acquired. The diagnosis of ulnar impaction syndrome is made by clinical examination and is supported by radiographic studies. Surgery is indicated if nonoperative treatment fails. Although a number of alternatives exist, the 2 primary surgical options are ulnar-shortening osteotomy or partial resection of the distal dome of the ulna (wafer procedure). This article discusses the etiology of ulnar impaction syndrome, and its diagnosis and treatment.

Objectives After reading this article (part I of II), the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the history of tendon transfer procedures. 2. List and understand the principles and biomechanics of tendon transfers. 2. Describe the anatomy and function of the radial nerve in the forearm and hand. 3. Describe the indications, benefits, and drawbacks for various tendon transfer procedures performed for radial nerve palsy. Summary This article reviews the history of tendon transfer procedures, and describes the principles and biomechanics behind them. It also discusses the anatomy and clinical findings of radial nerve palsy, and the tendon transfer procedures used to treat it.

Purpose Ulnar styloid fractures commonly occur in association with distal radius fractures. Ulnar styloid fractures that involve the insertion of the radioulnar ligaments can result in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, and the literature suggests that these fractures should be treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). However, in the absence of DRUJ instability, the effects of ulnar styloid fractures are not known. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of ulnar styloid fractures without DRUJ instability on patient-rated outcomes after distal radius fracture ORIF. Materials and Methods Between 2003 and 2008, a prospective cohort of distal radius fracture subjects treated with volar locking plating was enrolled. Patients with DRUJ instability treated at the time of distal radius ORIF were excluded. Radiographs were evaluated to identify ulnar styloid fractures, fracture size, amount of displacement, and evidence of healing. Patient-rated outcomes were measured at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Physical examination, including a specific evaluation of the DRUJ, was performed at each postoperative visit. Regression analysis was performed to determine if the presence of an ulnar styloid fracture, the size or displacement of the ulnar styloid fracture, or the healing status of the ulnar styloid fracture (union versus non-union) was predictive of MHQ scores. Results One hundred forty-four patients were enrolled; 88 patients had associated ulnar styloid fractures, and 56 did not. During the collection period, three patients with ulnar styloid fractures had DRUJ instability found intraoperatively and underwent ulnar styloid ORIF. These patients were excluded. The remaining patients with a stable DRUJ after ORIF were included in the study, and maintained DRUJ stability postoperatively. The presence of an ulnar styloid fracture was not found to be an independent predictor of MHQ scores (p=0.55). In addition, neither the size of the ulnar styloid fracture (p=0.18), nor the degree of displacement (p=0.25) was found to be a significant independent predictor of MHQ scores. Furthermore, the healing status of the fracture (union versus non-union) was not predictive of MHQ scores (p=0.95). Conclusion In patients with a stable DRUJ after distal radius ORIF with a volar locking plate, the presence of an ulnar styloid fracture did not affect subjective outcomes as measured by the MHQ. Furthermore, neither the size of the ulnar styloid fracture, the degree of displacement, nor the presence or absence of radiographic union affected subjective outcomes as measured by the MHQ.