Corrective Osteotomy of the Distal Radius
Corrective Osteotomy of the Distal Radius in Dubai by Dr. Mohamed Ali
Fellowship-Trained Upper Limb Surgeon | DHA Licensed | CT-Planned Wrist Osteotomy | Precise Anatomical Correction | Dubai, UAE
Dr. Mohamed Ali is a fellowship-trained hand and wrist surgeon in Dubai performing corrective osteotomy of the distal radius for wrist malunion: the surgical realignment of a distal radius fracture that has healed in an abnormal position. Using three-dimensional CT planning, Dr. Ali restores radial inclination, volar tilt and radial length to precise anatomical targets at DHA-licensed facilities in Dubai. If you are searching for corrective osteotomy distal radius near me, no referral is required. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai at dubaihand.com is performed by Dr. Mohamed Ali using three-dimensional CT planning to measure the exact radial inclination, volar tilt and radial length correction required before the patient enters theatre.
What Is Corrective Osteotomy of the Distal Radius?
Precision correction restores the structural measurements that govern wrist mechanics.
Correcting a healed deformity
A corrective osteotomy of the distal radius is a precision surgical procedure that deliberately re-fractures a wrist bone that has healed in an abnormal position and realigns it to the correct anatomical orientation. The distal radius is the most commonly fractured bone in the body, and when it heals with residual angulation, shortening or rotation beyond acceptable limits, the result is a malunion. A malunion distorts the wrist joint mechanics, producing pain, reduced range of motion, grip weakness and, over time, secondary post-traumatic arthritis. Every corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai patient at dubaihand.com receives bilateral wrist CT measurement and intraoperative X-ray confirmation to verify the planned correction has been achieved before wound closure.
Restoring wrist mechanics
Corrective osteotomy directly addresses the structural cause of these symptoms by restoring three key parameters: radial inclination (the lateral tilt of the articular surface, normally approximately 23 degrees), volar tilt (the anterior tilt, normally approximately 11 degrees) and radial length (the height of the radius relative to the ulna). When all three are restored, wrist joint mechanics normalise, the DRUJ stabilises and the risk of progressive arthritis is significantly reduced. Patients searching for corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai near me can book directly at dubaihand.com without a referral, and Dr. Ali confirms the deformity measurements and appropriate osteotomy technique at the first consultation.
Seek specialist assessment if:
These findings may suggest that a healed distal radius fracture has altered wrist alignment or mechanics.
your wrist looks different from the opposite side after a healed fracture
wrist pain has persisted beyond 3 to 4 months after the fracture was declared healed
you have limited forearm rotation or a clicking DRUJ since the fracture
your grip is weaker on the affected side
Assessment within 1 to 2 years of the original fracture gives the best chance of successful correction before secondary arthritic changes develop. The outcome of corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai depends on the accuracy of the CT-based planning and the surgical execution of the planned correction, which is why Dr. Ali's three-dimensional planning workflow is non-negotiable.
Who Needs Corrective Osteotomy of the Distal Radius?
Surgery is not recommended for every wrist malunion. The decision depends on symptoms, CT-based deformity measurements, joint congruity, DRUJ mechanics and timing from the original fracture.
Not every malunion requires surgery.
Dr. Mohamed Ali uses clinical assessment combined with bilateral wrist X-ray measurements and CT to determine whether the deformity is within acceptable limits or requires correction.
When malunion becomes clinically significant
Persistent pain & functional limitation
Ongoing pain, grip limitation or rotation pain after the fracture was declared healed.
Persistent wrist pain limiting daily activities, sport or work more than 4 to 6 months after the fracture was declared healed. Pain is typically at end range of motion, with grip loading, and with forearm rotation in malunions that have produced secondary DRUJ dysfunction. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai recovery at Dr. Ali's practice is supported by CT-confirmed bone healing milestones at 3 to 4 months before full loading is permitted, and specialist hand physiotherapy throughout rehabilitation.
Measured structural deformity
Angulation, radial shortening or inclination loss beyond acceptable limits on bilateral imaging.
Dorsal angulation greater than 10 to 15 degrees above normal volar tilt, radial shortening more than 2 to 3 mm compared to the uninjured side, or radial inclination loss of more than 5 degrees. Measurements are taken from bilateral wrist X-rays and CT in standardised positions. The success rate of corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai performed within 2 years of the original fracture is 80 to 90 percent in published outcomes literature, confirming that early correction produces significantly better results than delayed intervention.
Clicking & restricted rotation
Radial shortening can alter DRUJ mechanics and cause ulnar-sided pain, clicking and rotation loss.
Radial shortening produces ulnar positive variance, disrupting DRUJ biomechanics. Patients present with ulnar wrist pain, a clicking DRUJ and restricted forearm rotation. Corrective osteotomy restores radial length and resolves the secondary DRUJ instability in the majority of cases. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai near me searches from patients across the UAE consistently lead to Dr. Mohamed Ali at dubaihand.com, where second opinions and deformity assessments are available everyday without a referral requirement.
Joint-surface step-off
Residual articular incongruity can create uneven load across the wrist joint.
When a fracture involved the articular surface and a step-off greater than 1 to 2 mm remains, the uneven joint surface accelerates cartilage wear. Corrective osteotomy at this stage, before cartilage loss is established, prevents progressive post-traumatic arthritis. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai near me: book at dubaihand.com, no referral required.
The correction window matters
Earlier assessment is preferred before secondary arthritis and soft-tissue contracture become established.
Best results are achieved within 2 years of the original fracture, before secondary arthritic changes and soft tissue contractures become established. Late presentation does not preclude surgery but requires careful discussion of expected gains versus early correction. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai at DHA-licensed facilities in Dubai, UAE.
Complications if Distal Radius Malunion Is Left Untreated
A healed deformity can continue to alter wrist loading long after the fracture itself has united. Over time, a mechanical problem may become a joint, stability and functional problem.
One deformity can create four progressive problems.
The objective of corrective osteotomy is to restore anatomy before the wrist develops irreversible secondary consequences.
Post-Traumatic Wrist Arthritis
Abnormal load distribution from the malunited distal radius accelerates cartilage wear at the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. Once established, post-traumatic arthritis cannot be reversed. Corrective osteotomy before cartilage damage develops is the only way to prevent this outcome. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai locking plate provides angular-stable fixation.
Progressive DRUJ Dysfunction
Radial shortening from malunion produces ulnar positive variance that worsens over time as soft tissue laxity increases. The TFCC becomes overloaded and tears, producing a combined mechanical problem that is more complex to treat than the original malunion alone. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai CT confirms healing before loading advances.
Permanent Grip Weakness
Pain and altered wrist mechanics from malunion reflexively inhibit grip strength. Patients who wait years before seeking correction have more entrenched muscle inhibition and do not achieve the same grip strength recovery as those treated within 1 to 2 years. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai second opinions welcome at dubaihand.com.
Wrist Fusion as Salvage
When post-traumatic arthritis from a neglected malunion reaches an advanced stage, the only reliable pain-relieving option is partial or total wrist fusion. Fusion permanently eliminates wrist motion. Corrective osteotomy performed within the window of opportunity is specifically designed to prevent this outcome. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai for pure angulation uses closing wedge technique.
Earlier deformity assessment may preserve wrist motion, grip function and joint health, while reducing the likelihood of more complex reconstruction or salvage procedures later.
Diagnosis and CT-Based Planning for Corrective Osteotomy in Dubai
Measure. Compare. Correct.
Clinical assessment at Dr. Ali's Dubai practice includes measurement of wrist flexion, extension, forearm pronation and supination, grip strength and DRUJ stability compared to the opposite wrist. Bilateral wrist X-rays in standardised posteroanterior and lateral views allow direct comparison of the affected and unaffected wrists. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai for combined deformity uses opening wedge with graft.
CT scan of both wrists with three-dimensional reconstruction is the definitive planning tool for corrective osteotomy. It accurately measures the deformity in all three planes and guides the degree of correction required. MRI is used when associated soft tissue pathology (TFCC tear, scapholunate ligament injury) is suspected. Associated pathology can often be addressed at the same surgical episode. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai hardware removal considered at 12 to 18 months only.
Corrective Osteotomy Techniques for Distal Radius Malunion in Dubai
The osteotomy technique is selected based on the type and magnitude of deformity confirmed on CT planning. Dr. Mohamed Ali uses the technique that most precisely restores anatomy. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai: call +971 50 254 4263 to book.
Opening Wedge Osteotomy
The malunited distal radius is cut along the original fracture plane and the osteotomy is opened to restore radial length, inclination and volar tilt simultaneously. Bone graft (autograft or allograft) fills the correction gap. A low-profile locking plate stabilises the correction. The most versatile technique for combined deformities involving shortening and angulation. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai specialist at dubaihand.com.
Closing Wedge Osteotomy
A precisely calculated wedge of bone is removed from the malunited segment to correct angular deformity without graft. The bone ends are compressed and fixed with a locking plate. Indicated when correction involves angulation only with no radial shortening. Advantages: no graft harvest morbidity, faster healing, reliable compression at the osteotomy. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai near me in Dubai.
Bone Graft Selection
Autograft from the distal radius metaphysis or iliac crest provides the most biologically active graft material and is preferred for large corrections. Allograft avoids harvest site morbidity for modest corrections. Synthetic bone substitutes are used as an adjunct for additional void filling. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai no referral required.
Locking Plate Fixation
A low-profile titanium locking plate provides rigid angular-stable fixation that allows early finger mobilisation without loss of correction. Intraoperative X-ray confirms radial inclination, volar tilt and radial length restoration before wound closure. Corrective osteotomy distal radius Dubai at dubaihand.com.
Preparing for Corrective Osteotomy of the Distal Radius in Dubai
Pre-operative consultation
Dr. Ali reviews CT-based measurements, confirms the osteotomy approach, graft selection and fixation plan. The procedure, anaesthetic and rehabilitation are explained. Consent is obtained. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai specialist Dubai.
CT-based surgical planning
Three-dimensional CT reconstruction of both wrists is reviewed. The exact correction required in each plane is measured and documented. The osteotomy level and graft volume are planned. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai: no referral required.
Metabolic optimisation
Blood tests confirm vitamin D, calcium and bone turnover markers. Vitamin D deficiency is corrected before surgery. Smoking cessation is strongly advised. Diabetes and metabolic conditions are optimised in collaboration with the relevant specialist. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai fellowship-trained.
Medical clearance
Pre-operative assessment confirms fitness for general or regional anaesthesia at the DHA-licensed facility in Dubai. Cardiology or other specialist reviews are arranged where indicated. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai DHA-licensed facility.
Medications
Blood-thinning medications and NSAIDs are stopped 5 to 7 days before surgery. Bisphosphonates and systemic corticosteroids are reviewed with the prescribing physician. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai by Dr. Mohamed Ali.
Practical arrangements
Plan for a below-elbow splint for 6 weeks. Arrange time off manual work and driving if the dominant wrist is involved. CT confirmation of bone healing at 3 to 4 months is required before full loading is permitted. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai at +971 50 254 4263.
Corrective Osteotomy of the Distal Radius: Step by Step
Precision in six steps.
From anaesthesia to final intraoperative X-ray confirmation.
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia or regional nerve block (brachial plexus block) is administered. A tourniquet is applied to the upper arm for a bloodless operative field. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai recovery programme.
Surgical Approach
A dorsal or volar incision is made over the distal radius, selected based on CT planning and the direction of the principal deformity. The tendons are retracted and the radius is exposed subperiosteally. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai second opinion welcome.
Osteotomy
The distal radius is cut along the CT-planned line using calibrated osteotomes and a reciprocating saw. The osteotomy is positioned to allow the exact correction required in all three planes simultaneously. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai everyday 9 AM to 5 PM.
Correction
The distal fragment is mobilised and corrected to the target position. Radial inclination, volar tilt and radial length are confirmed against the contralateral wrist measurements. Temporary K-wire fixation holds the correction. Corrective osteotomy distal radius dubai book at dubaihand.com.
Bone Grafting
The correction gap is filled with bone graft (autograft or allograft) packed firmly to ensure complete gap filling: critical for bone healing across the osteotomy site.
Plate Fixation and Closure
A low-profile locking plate and screws are applied. Intraoperative X-ray confirms the correction matches the planned measurements. The wound is closed in layers and a below-elbow splint is applied.
Corrective Osteotomy Distal Radius Recovery Timeline in Dubai
Recovery from corrective osteotomy of the distal radius is longer than soft tissue wrist procedures because the osteotomy bone must heal before the wrist is loaded.
Protect
Below-elbow splint immobilisation. Finger range of motion exercises from day 1. Wound review at 2 weeks. X-ray at 6 weeks to assess early callus formation. No wrist loading.
Mobilise
Splint removed when X-ray shows early bridging callus. Progressive wrist range of motion exercises supervised by hand physiotherapist. Light daily activities with the hand. No grip loading or weight bearing through the wrist.
Strengthen
CT scan confirms solid bone healing across the osteotomy. Once CT confirms union, progressive grip strengthening and resistance loading begin under physiotherapy supervision. Most patients achieve functional wrist motion by 4 months.
Return
Return to full manual work, sport and unrestricted activities. Hardware removal is considered at 12 to 18 months only if the plate is symptomatic. Final clinical and radiological review confirms the anatomical correction has been maintained.
“The fracture finally healed after revision fixation with bone grafting.”
Risks and Outcomes of Corrective Osteotomy Distal Radius in Dubai
Dr. Mohamed Ali discusses all surgical risks transparently at your pre-operative consultation in Dubai.
Non-union of the Osteotomy
The re-fractured bone can fail to heal, particularly in patients with poor bone quality, smoking history or systemic metabolic disease. Rigid locking plate fixation and metabolic optimisation reduce this risk. Revision surgery with supplementary bone graft addresses established non-union.
Loss of Correction
The plate and screws can loosen if bone quality is poor or loading is premature, causing partial or complete loss of the achieved correction. CT confirmation of union before loading and careful patient selection minimise this risk.
Sensory Nerve Irritation
The superficial radial nerve and dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve pass close to standard surgical approaches. Temporary paraesthesia at the incision site resolves in the majority of patients within weeks to months.
Infection and Wound Complications
Low-profile plates beneath the tendon layer have lower infection rates than older bulkier implants. Deep infection requiring plate removal before union is a serious complication managed with revision bone grafting once infection is cleared.
Published outcomes for corrective osteotomy of the distal radius performed within 2 years of malunion show significant improvements in wrist range of motion, grip strength and patient-reported outcome scores in 80 to 90 percent of patients. DRUJ instability from radial shortening resolves in approximately 85 percent of cases following osteotomy without separate DRUJ surgery.
Corrective osteotomy is a precision procedure. The outcome is determined by the accuracy of the CT-based planning and the surgical execution of that plan. Imprecise correction produces a second malunion.
CT-planned corrective osteotomy of the distal radius with precise three-plane anatomical correction and intraoperative X-ray confirmation.
Book a ConsultationDr. Ali's fellowship training included advanced wrist reconstruction and corrective osteotomy. The subspecialty knowledge required to plan and execute a three-plane distal radius correction is not part of general orthopaedic training.
Every corrective osteotomy at Dr. Ali's Dubai practice is planned using three-dimensional CT measurement of both wrists. The correction is calculated in all three planes before the patient enters the operating theatre.
All surgical procedures are performed at DHA-regulated facilities in Dubai, providing regulatory compliance and intraoperative X-ray confirmation that the planned correction has been achieved.
When radial shortening malunion has produced secondary DRUJ instability, corrective osteotomy restores radial length and DRUJ mechanics at the same surgical episode, without a separate DRUJ procedure in the majority of cases.
You can book a corrective osteotomy consultation directly at dubaihand.com without a GP or specialist referral. Available everyday, 9 AM to 5 PM, Dubai, UAE.
Book a ConsultationWrist Healed in a Poor Position? Book a Specialist Assessment in Dubai.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mohamed Ali in Dubai. He will review your wrist X-rays and CT, measure the deformity and give you a clear answer on whether corrective osteotomy of the distal radius is appropriate and what outcome you can expect. No referral required.
Related Surgical Procedures in Dubai
Distal radius malunion may coexist with non-union, DRUJ instability or intra-articular wrist pathology. The related procedure depends on the structural problem identified during clinical and CT-based assessment.
Malunited Fracture Surgery Dubai
Comprehensive management of malunited and non-union wrist fractures, including corrective osteotomy and bone grafting for non-union.
DRUJ Instability Surgery Dubai
Surgical stabilisation of DRUJ instability, including cases secondary to distal radius malunion requiring additional DRUJ reconstruction beyond osteotomy alone.
Wrist Arthroscopy Dubai
Keyhole wrist assessment for associated intra-articular pathology including TFCC tears and scapholunate ligament injuries at the time of malunion assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a corrective osteotomy of the distal radius?
A corrective osteotomy of the distal radius is a surgical procedure that precisely re-fractures a wrist bone that has healed in an abnormal position and realigns it to the correct anatomical position. The corrected bone is stabilised with a locking plate and screws, and bone graft fills any correction gap. The procedure restores wrist mechanics, resolves pain and grip weakness, and prevents progressive post-traumatic arthritis. Dr. Mohamed Ali performs CT-planned corrective osteotomy at DHA-licensed facilities in Dubai.A tendon transfer reroutes a functioning tendon from its original insertion to a new attachment point to replace the function of a paralysed or absent tendon. Unlike tendon repair, a tendon transfer uses a donor tendon to restore a movement lost due to nerve palsy, irreparable tendon injury or congenital absence. Dr. Mohamed Ali performs tendon transfer surgery at DHA-licensed facilities in Dubai.
How long does recovery from distal radius corrective osteotomy take?
Recovery takes 6 to 12 months in total. The bone is immobilised for the first 6 weeks. Progressive wrist mobilisation begins when X-ray shows early callus. CT at 3 to 4 months confirms solid bone healing before progressive grip loading begins. Return to full manual work and sport typically occurs at 6 to 12 months. Dr. Mohamed Ali provides a personalised timeline at your Dubai consultation.
How is a wrist malunion corrected?
A wrist malunion is corrected with a corrective osteotomy. The malunited distal radius is re-fractured and corrected using CT measurements to restore radial inclination (approximately 23 degrees), volar tilt (approximately 11 degrees) and radial length. Bone graft fills the correction gap and a locking plate stabilises the corrected position. Dr. Mohamed Ali uses three-dimensional CT planning for all corrective osteotomy procedures at his Dubai practice.
What are the risks of corrective osteotomy of the distal radius?
The main risks include non-union of the osteotomy site, loss of correction, sensory nerve irritation, hardware failure and infection. Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed with precise CT planning, rigid locking plate fixation and metabolic optimisation. Dr. Mohamed Ali discusses all risks transparently at your pre-operative consultation in Dubai.
When is corrective osteotomy recommended for a distal radius malunion?
Corrective osteotomy is recommended when a distal radius malunion causes persistent wrist pain, grip weakness, restricted forearm rotation, secondary DRUJ instability or articular incongruity with a risk of post-traumatic arthritis. Best results are achieved within 1 to 2 years of the original fracture. Dr. Mohamed Ali assesses candidacy at his DHA-licensed Dubai practice.
Do I need a referral for corrective osteotomy of the distal radius in Dubai?
No referral is required. You can book a corrective osteotomy consultation with Dr. Mohamed Ali directly at dubaihand.com without a GP or specialist referral. Consultations are available everyday from 9 AM to 5 PM in Dubai. If you are searching for corrective osteotomy distal radius near me in the UAE, book directly online today.
Dr. Mohamed Ali performs corrective osteotomy of the distal radius at DHA-licensed facilities in Dubai, UAE. Patients from across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, travel to Dubai for specialist CT-planned wrist osteotomy.
If you are searching for corrective osteotomy distal radius near me or a wrist malunion correction specialist near me in the UAE, Dr. Ali accepts direct bookings at dubaihand.com without any referral requirement.
Bring your wrist X-rays and CT for specialist deformity measurement and a clear opinion on whether corrective osteotomy is appropriate.
Hand, Wrist or Elbow Pain?
Book Your Upper Limb Consultation in Dubai
Dr. Mohamed Ali performs tendon repair surgery in Dubai, UAE. Fellowship-trained. DHA licensed. Flexor and extensor tendon repair. Specialist hand therapy coordination. No referral required. For acute injuries call +971 50 254 4263 immediately. Everyday 9 AM to 5 PM, Dubai.