Outcomes in Early Versus Late Presentation of Focal Fibrocartilaginous Dysplasia Affecting the Upper Extremity: A Review of 4 Cases

Abstract

Delayed treatment of ulnar FFCD may require salvage procedures to maximize function and provide pain relief.

Diagnosis and treatment of focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia of the distal ulna

“…In our study, 12 months after the first operation, the ulna of all patients remodeled well, and there were no new occurrences of radial head dislocation. Resection of the lesion is minimally invasive and requires no specific fixation postoperatively, and no postoperative complications have been reported in our case or other works of literature [6][7][8][9]. We, therefore, believe that resection of the lesion should be performed as soon as the lesion is determined to be still present by MRI.…”

“…The most common symptom of FFCD in the lower limb was unilateral angulation deformity of the lower limb. All patients were unilateral, mostly on the medial side, and the limbs had corresponding varus deformities [1][2][3][5][6][7][10][11][12][13][14]. Most cases of FFCD of the distal ulna were treated for angulation deformity of the forearm, some patients were treated for radial head protrusion.…”

“…FFCD in the upper limb is less common. The distal ulna is a common site for FFCD in the upper limb, which is only reported in a few case reports [6][7][8][9][10].…”

“…However, few reports clearly provide the corresponding medical history. The typical fibroligamentous tether stretches the epiphysis of the distal ulna resulting in the shortening and angular deformity of the ulna, followed by dislocation of the radial head [6][7][8][9][10].…”

“…However, compared with FFCD in the lower limb, the spontaneous resolution of FFCD in the distal ulna seems to be less likely in a young child. The radial head subluxation or dislocation can develop before the operation [6][7][8].…”