The outcome of Sauve Kapandji procedure on patient with DRUJ arthritis: A case report

Abstract

BackgroundThe distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is frequently involved in inflammatory diseases, both de-generative and notably traumatic, resulting in pain, wrist motion and strength loss, and severe functional impairment. DRUJ dysfunction can be highly incapacitating. The Sauve-Kapandji (SK) procedure can be indicated to address multiple etiologies of DRUJ dysfunction.Case presentationA 54-year-old woman presented with pain and difficulty moving the left wrist. X-ray imaging revealed the union of the distal radius with the plate still in there with subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint after surgery in 2005. Afterwards, she underwent the Sauve-Kapandji procedure. Follow-ups were done at periodic intervals, and wrist physiotherapy was instituted. We evaluated the range of motion and the VAS score as well. The patient had acceptable motion after four weeks of evaluation.DiscussionThe SK method has been advocated as a treatment for DRUJ derangement because, un-like the Darrach surgery, it preserves the ulnar head at the wrist. As with the Darrach opera-tion, postoperative instability of the proximal ulnar stump or radioulnar convergence may occur despite the favourable clinical prognosis.ConclusionThe Sauve-Kapandji procedure could treat wrist pain and deformity in DRUJ arthritis. It gives a good result in two weeks, four weeks, twelve weeks, and twenty after the procedure. The peak time of recovery is four weeks after the procedure.