A New Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis

Abstract

Pain and instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) are common sequelae following a fracture of the distal radius. Many soft tissue procedures have been described, not all of which are successful. Ulnar head replacement prostheses are available but do not always provide stability. We designed a two-part, easy to implant, distal radioulnar prosthesis and implanted it in 19 patients. The first prototype was inserted in 2002 and is still in place. During the study, the design was changed twice, resulting in three groups with four patients in group A, five in group B, and ten in group C. Unfortunately all five prostheses in group B had to be removed because of loosening, while only two prostheses in group C had to be removed, for nonprosthetic reasons. For the 12 patients who retained their prosthesis, forearm function increased while grip strength increased significantly. Pain scores decreased and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score improved but remained high. We conclude that the prosthesis offers a new treatment option for ulnar instability following distal ulnar resection.