Radiological evaluation of the long-term effects of resection of the distal ulna in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

28 patients have been studied after distal ulnar resection on one side. The operated hand has been compared with the hand on which no operation has been performed, using X-rays which had been taken pre-operatively and 4 to 8 years post-operatively. Only patients with no difference or a difference of only one degree between the two wrists, according to the Larsen classification, were admitted to the investigation. The mean ulnar translation was 5.3 mm in the operated wrists, compared to 3.7 mm in unoperated wrists. Radialization of the ulna following distal ulnar resection amounted to about 12 mm. Wrist dislocation is more due to the rheumatoid process itself than to the distal ulnar resection.