Treatment of distal radioulnar joint disorders with a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure: long-term outcome with special attention to the DASH Questionnaire.
BACKGROUND
An intact distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is essential for normal functioning of the upper limb. Osteoarthritis of the DRUJ often leads to ulnar wrist pain, limitation of forearm rotation and reduced grip strength, all of which limit activities of daily living. Once the joint is damaged, salvage procedures are recommended.


METHODS
Between 1986 and 1996 a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure was performed in 117 patients with painfully limited forearm rotation and osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Of the 117 patients, 73 women and 32 men, whose ages at operation ranged from 22 to 74 years (average 58 years), were retrospectively reviewed clinically and radiologically 8 years (range 5-12 years) after the operation. The DASH questionnaire was used with 53 patients, 43 patients were accepted for the study, and 10 were excluded.


RESULTS
Forearm rotation improved in all patients, ulnar wrist pain was reduced in 97% of the patients, and 9% had mild pain at the proximal ulnar stump. Grip strength improved from a preoperative mean of 38% to a postoperative mean of 55% compared with the contralateral side. The mean DASH score was 28 points (range 0-53 points). In all cases the arthrodesis fused within 8 weeks. The radiographs showed approximation between the proximal ulna stump and the radius compared with the preoperative situation in 74% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our clinical and radiological findings suggest that the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is indicated in symptomatic, non-reconstructable disorders of the DRUJ. The DASH questionnaire provides a general view of the functional outcome after the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. The DASH questionnaire is very helpful in evaluating the effect of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure on the entire upper limb.
Zimmermann
Robert
R
Department of Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. Robert.Zimmermann@uklibk.ac.at
Gschwentner
Martin
M
Arora
Rohit
R
Harpf
Christoph
C
Gabl
Markus
M
Pechlaner
Sigurd
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014457:Ulna; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*