The effect of the wafer procedure on pressure in the distal radioulnar joint.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of the wafer procedure on pressure within the distal radioulnar joint.


METHODS
The effect of increasing transverse distal ulnar head resection with preservation of the ulnar styloid was evaluated in 4 fresh frozen cadaver arms. Specimens were tested in neutral rotation. A standard transaxial load was applied from the radius to the ulna and the distal radioulnar joint intra-articular pressure was evaluated.


RESULTS
Increasing amounts of distal ulnar resection led to a linear increase in pressure in the distal radioulnar articulation.


CONCLUSIONS
The wafer procedure leads to an increase in pressure in the distal radioulnar joint that may lead to the early onset of osteoarthritis.
Lapner
Peter C
PC
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Poitras
Philippe
P
Backman
David
D
Giachino
Alan A
AA
Conway
Anna F
AF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D011312:Pressure; D011884:Radius / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D012399:Rotation; D014457:Ulna / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery