title: Long-term results of simple hemiresection arthroplasty in the rheumatoid distal radio-ulnar joint.
abstract: We retrospectively studied the radiological and clinical results of a simple hemiresection arthroplasty, a modification of previous oblique distal ulnar resections, in 62 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (68 wrists) over a mean follow-up of 103 (range 60-173) months. Fourteen wrists (20%) became fused at the radiocarpal joint and 28 wrists fused (41%) at the midcarpal joints during follow-up. Severe ulnar translocation of the carpus was observed in two wrists (3%), radio-ulnar convergence in five wrists (7%), as well as a significant decrease of carpal height ratio, without any radiological findings of stylocarpal impingement. Improvements in forearm pronation and supination, and reduction in pain were maintained at the last follow-up. Grip strength was not significantly improved. The Jebsen-Taylor hand function test showed improvements in writing, card turning, and simulated feeding. Fifty-two patients (58 wrists, 85%) were satisfied with the results at the last follow-up. Simple hemiresection arthroplasty showed good long-term results with few complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hanil General Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: U S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis; distal radioulnar joint; simple hemiresection arthroplasty