Ulnar Variance in Athletes: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Context: Ulnar variance (UV) is a measurement of the relative locations of the radius and ulna that may become perturbed in athletic populations. Positive UV can be associated with wrist pathologies often treated conservatively or surgically and may result in interruption of sports participation. Objective: This scoping review aims to summarize diagnostic measures of UV in athletes, describe its relation to separate wrist conditions, and present treatment strategies for symptomatic UV. Data Sources: A systematic search was created and modified for PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and SPORTDiscus including articles from inception until February 2, 2022. Study Selection: Articles including UV characterization, imaging modality style, and an athletic population were searched across multiple databases. Study Design: A scoping review was designed to identify the methods for imaging UV in athletic populations following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: The specific athletic population, imaging modality, measurement style, wrist pathology association, and surgical management of UV were extracted. Results: A total of 4321 records were screened independently for eligibility: 22 met inclusion criteria. Eight sports comprised the analysis. All studies referenced conventional radiography to diagnose UV; 50% specified the posteroanterior, 18.2% anteroposterior, and 13.6% pronated, gripping radiographs. Hafner’s method (7×), Palmer’s technique (2×), and the method of perpendiculars (3×) were used to measure UV. Athletes displayed more positive UV than nonathletes and UV became more positive over time in longitudinal studies. Triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, focal lunate necrosis, and ulnar abutment were associated with positive UV. Ulnar shortening osteotomy was the most performed operation for positive UV. Conclusion: Conventional radiography is the gold standard for imaging UV in athletes. Hafner’s method is the most commonly used radiograph measurement technique. Wrist pathology in athletic populations may indicate positive UV in need for operative management.