Distraction osteotomy for malunion of the distal end of the radius with radial shortening.

The treatment and outcomes of distraction osteotomy in 9 patients with malunion of the distal radius with radial shortening are presented. The patients had an average age of 32 years (range: 14 to 36 years) and comprised 7 males and 2 females. Ulnar inclination was below normal in all patients, volar inclination was below normal in 8 patients, and the average radial length discrepancy was 7.6 mm (range: 4 to 16 mm). Angulations in the distal radius were corrected by manipulation after osteotomy, and shortening by callus distraction. In order to achieve normal radial length, distraction was performed for an average of 10.2 days (range: 7 to 19 days), and union occurred in an average of 10.7 weeks (range: 9 to 13 weeks). During the waiting period between distraction and consolidation, impairment of ulnar and volar inclination recurred in 3 patients, and translation of the distal fragment necessitating correction occurred in 3 patients. No cases of nonunion or malunion were observed. In all patients, there was a decrease in cosmetic and pain-related complaints, and improvement in wrist movements. Distraction osteotomy is a simple and effective treatment for malunion of the distal radius with concurrent radial shortening. However, the position of the distal fragment should be followed up until consolidation.