Abstract
Background: In palliative surgery on the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ), ulnar head resection and the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure are often followed by instability and radio-ulnar convergence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of the DRUJ after modified matched distal ulnar resection performed alone or with partial or complete wrist arthrodesis.Hypothesis: A modification of matched distal ulnar resection, consisting in reconstruction of the sixth compartment and dorsalisation of the extensor carpi ulnaris, minimises these complications, regardless of the cause and associated procedures.Patients and methods: A single-centre retrospective study was conducted in 46 patients (50 wrists) who underwent modified matched distal ulnar resection. The 50 wrists fell into three groups: total wrist arthrodesis according to Millender, n=21 (TWA group); radius to proximal row arthrodesis, n=17 (RPRA group); and isolated matched distal ulnar resection, n=12 (IMDUR group). Seventy per cent of patients had rheumatoid arthritis. Each patient underwent a clinical and radiographic assessment, with an analysis of radio-ulnar convergence, DRUJ stability, and ulno-carpal impingement, as well as of ulnar translation of the carpus in the IMDUR group.Results: After the mean follow-up of 8.2±5.4 years, 62% of patients were pain-free, with a mean VAS pain score of 1.3±2.1, and 90% of patients said they would have the procedure again. Clinical and radiographic instability due to excessively proximal resection was noted in 2 (4%) wrists, of which 1 required repeat surgery. Ulno-carpal impingement due to excessively distal resection occurred in 2 (4%) wrists. No significant ulnar translation of the carpus was noted in the IMDUR group (DiBenedetto: 0.011±1.9). Range of motion was similar in the three groups (mean pronation=77±17°; and mean supination=79±8°) (p>0.05). Mean grip strength was 85±35% compared to the other side.Discussion: Our modification of matched distal ulnar resection minimises the complications specific of other ulnar head resection techniques or of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure, namely, radio-ulnar convergence and DRUJ instability.Level of proof: IV; retrospective comparative study.