Ulnar lengthening in the treatment of forearm deformity caused by hereditary multiple exostoses in children.

Abstract

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is an autosomal dominant bone disorder characterized by abnormal bone development. HME mostly involves the forearm, resulting in forearm deformities, limited functional activities, etc. Currently, there are multiple surgical methods including tumor resection with or without ulnar osteotomy and lengthening, simple radial head resection and distal radial hemiepiphysiodesis, but the optimal treatment remains controversial. Ulnar lengthening serves as an effective surgical intervention for forearm deformities in HME patients. This review examines its surgical techniques, complications, and timing of the operation to guide clinical decision-making for improving function and cosmetic outcomes.