title: [Synovectomy in the realignment-stabilization of the rheumatoid wrist. Apropos of a series of 104 cases with average follow-up of 5 years].
abstract: The authors studied a series of 104 rheumatoid wrists, stages II, III or IV according modified Larsen's grading, treated between 1980-1988 by synovectomy realignment stabilization. The mean follow-up period was 5 years. The operation presents different steps which have an additive effect and must be associated in order long term clinical and radiological stability. They associated: extensor tendons and articular synovectomy stabilization of the distal radio ulnar complex by Sauve-Kapandji's operation, tendon transfert: the extensor carpis radialis longus is transferred on the extensor carpi radialis brevis the extensor carpi ulnaris is relocated with posterior annular dorsal ligament plasty. Results concerning relief of pain were very clear because the patients presented either complete relief of pain (73%) or only intermittent occasional pain. The overall active range of motion is nearly the same, when compared pre- and post-operative ratings. In general the patients who presented good pre-operative mobility usually improved them and the others preserved them. Larsen's radiological grading was modified by the authors to include instability's criteria in frontal and sagittal plane. Carpal height remained stable (75% less than or equal to 1 mm), ulnar deviation has never overreached 3 mm, radial deviation was not modified in 50% of cases. They found only 4 wrists presenting a stage II radiological grading with an evolution to the stage III and 12 of the stage III grading became stage IV. The instable type of the stage IV was stabilized by a surgical radiolunate arthrodesis. The stabilized type was nearly not modified. The different steps of operation (articular and tenosynovectomy, carpus stabilization and realignment with stabilization by stabilization of the radio ulnar complex joint using Sauve-Kapandji operation, tendons transfers and dorsal retinacular plasty) have an additive effect in achieving relief of pain with preservation of the pre-existing mobility. The stabilization of the radio ulnar complex by the Sauve-Kapandji operation constitutes a new approach in rheumatoid arthritis published by the author in 1985 and in our opinion appears to be simple and is very efficient in stabilizing wrist immediately, thus allowing early rehabilitation of these patients. Long term stability is affirmed by clinical and roentgenologic follow-up and globally a painless wrist, a preservation of the pre-operative motion and a stabilization in frontal and sagittal plane is obtained.
authors.affiliation: Département de Chirurgie du membre supérieur, Centre Urgences Mains, Hôpital Bichat, Paris.
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Alnot
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fauroux
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011859:Radiography; D000074402:Synovectomy; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery
vernacular_title: La synovectomie réaxation stabilisation du poignet rhumatoïde. A propos d'une série de 104 cas avec un recul moyen de 5 ans.