Sliding volar hinge osteotomy for correction of extra-articular distal radius malunion with excessive radial shortening.

Distal Radius Malunion may occur with closed treatment and may result in various complications including stiffness and decrease in grip strength. Several techniques for correction of malunion have been devised and may broadly be classified into either hinge or distraction osteotomies. We present a "Volar Sliding Hinge Osteotomy" technique for correction of extra articular distal radius malunion, even with excessive radial shortening, without the use of distant bone grafts. The outcomes of three consecutive patients who underwent the procedure were also documented. Our technique may present as a good alternative to radial distraction or ulnar shortening osteotomies in correction of extra articular distal radius malunions with significant radial shortening.

Level of evidence: IV.