Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis Research Articles

Long-term results of the AptisTM total distal radioulnar joint prosthesis after previous failed surgical procedures.

We present a prospective study with the results of ten Aptis total distal radioulnar joint replacements in patients who had one to five previous operations. The mean postoperative follow-up was 9.7 years (range 3-14.7). The mean postoperative range of motion of the wrist improved by 9° for extension, 15° for flexion, 10° for pronation and 14° for supination, achieving values equivalent to 88%, 78%, 97% and 88% of those of the non-operated hand. There were minimal changes in radial and ulnar deviations. Grip strength improved by 7 kg, pain decreased by 8 points, QuickDASH and Mayo wrist scores improved by 51 and 53 points, respectively. Two implants had radiolucency less than 1 mm. Serum titanium ion levels were slightly elevated in two patients. Three prostheses required revision surgery for heterotopic ossification, a prominent radial screw and a periprosthetic fracture. No prostheses were removed. Six patients returned to their former professional activities and four patients adapted their jobs.Level of evidence: IV.

Missed Essex-Lopresti Injury-Development of a Combined Proximal and Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint Prosthesis as a Treatment Option and Proof of Concept.

Essex-Lopresti injuries are characterized by injuries to the proximal radio-ulnar joint, the distal radio-ulnar joint, and the interosseous membrane. This can lead to osteoarthritis, impaction syndrome, or instability. If all three structures are injured and lead to instability, the situation is almost unmanageable and many times ends in a one-bone forearm. In this article, we demonstrate a new way to reconstruct the proximal and distal radio-ulnar joint with two patient-specific coupled prostheses. These have been developed with the biomechanical conditions of the forearm in mind, where there are very large forces between the bones. As a result, we are able to present a patient previously severely restricted in the use of his hand and arm via a splint that compressed the forearm, who is now able to perform everyday activities and even light sports, such as badminton, without pain.

Replacement of the distal radio-ulnar joint with asemi-constrained Scheker DRUJ prosthesis.

To describe the indications, operative technique, and long-term outcomes of patients treated with the Scheker (Aptis) distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) prosthesis. The Scheker prosthesis is intended to replace the DRUJ in patients with rheumatoid, degenerative, or posttraumatic arthritis of the sigmoid notch and/or ulnar head, or in cases of gross instability of the DRUJ. Moreover, aScheker prosthesis can be used to treat failed salvage procedures, such as the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure, ulnar head resection, and ulnar head arthroplasty. Severe osteoporosis, active infection, immature skeleton, less than 14cm of the proximal ulna remaining. In supine position with the forearm in full pronation, an ulnar S‑shaped incision is made. The ulnar head is resected and the proximal part is brought to the palmar side to enable visualization of the sigmoid notch. Following preparation of the sigmoid notch and the proximal ulnar part of the radius, aradial plate is attached. When the position is verified with fluoroscopy, screw holes are drilled together with aseparate hole for the radial peg. Ametal stem is inserted in the ulnar shaft. Apolymer ball is then slid on to apolished peg on top of the ulnar stem. This polymer ball is seated in the socket of the radial plate and fixed with asmall metal cap. Radiographic images are made for confirmation of correct positioning and full pro- and supination is tested, after which the wound is closed. After 48 h of pressure bandages, patients are instructed to start with full range of motion and weight-bearing exercises under the guidance of ahand therapist. Weight-bearing is constrained to 10kg. We retrospectively assessed 50Scheker prostheses in 48patients treated between 2016 and 2021. The median age was 56years (IQR: 50-65) and 30 (60%) were female. Median follow-up was 29months (IQR: 12-48). The primary outcome was the PRWE score. The median PRWE score at the final follow-up was 23 (IQR: 4-52) for the operated side versus amedian PRWE score of 5 (IQR: 0-25) for the non-operated side (p < 0.005). Six patients had acomplication. Three patients developed extensor carpi ulnaris tendinitis with one patient requiring additional surgery. One patient developed aneuroma of the distal branch of the ulnar nerve that was surgically removed. One synovectomy was performed because of synovitis and one endoscopic ulnar release was performed because of hyperesthesia of the ulnar area. None of the prostheses had to be removed.

Retrospective and Prospective Outcomes of Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis Arthroplasty at a Single Center

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis can cause painful and limited motion of the forearm leading to decreased function. When conservative treatment options are exhausted, surgical treatments are the next step. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively and prospectively evaluate outcomes of Scheker DRUJ total arthroplasty at a single center and add to the limited data on this procedure. In a retrospective and prospective cohort of 12 patients, 13 DRUJ prosthetics implanted from 2014 to 2021 were evaluated from a single center. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction with the procedure, including comparisons of preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and willingness to repeat the procedure. Secondary outcomes included range of motion, subjective grip strength, need for hardware revision, subsequent procedures, and postoperative complaints. Out of 12 patients that were at least 1-year after surgery from DRUJ arthroplasty, 1 was deceased at the time of final survey and 1 underwent bilateral DRUJ arthroplasty. Seven of 12 available patients were surveyed over the phone. On average, patient range of motion after surgery was 76° in each direction for pronation and supination. There was a clinically significant improvement in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and a statistically significant improvement in visual analog scale pain rating. Seventy-five percent of patients surveyed were satisfied with their outcomes and would undergo the surgery again. Only one patient required additional surgery, and there were no instances of hardware failure at an average follow-up of 40 months. Our study has shown positive outcomes with decrease in pain, improvement in function via Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand evaluation, and subjective patient satisfaction, with a 100% prosthesis survival rate. The DRUJ arthroplasty prosthesis is a viable alternative to other DRUJ salvage procedures. Therapeutic Level III.

The distal radio ulnar joint: a journey of discovery and invention of the Aptis prosthesis.

This article describes the journey the authors took in discovering a new distal radioulnar joint prosthesis. The beginning deals with the problems we can potentially create for patients when we blindly follow the literature without any critical thinking. By challenging the established thinking on the function of the forearm, a new way of looking at the distal radioulnar joint emerged. Through trial, error and a moment of desperation, a new solution was found that allow us to relive pain and improve function for our patients with distal radioulnar joint pathologies.

Finite element analysis of intraosseous distal radioulnar joint prosthesis

BackgroundJoint replacement is one of the options to retrieve the interosseous distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) function. DRUJ prosthesis has recently been introduced clinically to treat DRUJ instability. This article analyzes the biomechanical behavior of the prosthesis during different loadings by the finite element method.MethodsCT images of a healthy 33 years old man were used to construct the three-dimensional geometry of the forearm bone. Then two models, a healthy foreman (Model A) and a damaged model with an inserted interosseous prosthesis (Model B), were constructed to analyze and compare the foreman's biomechanical behavior under different loading conditions using the finite element method. Both models were examined during pronation and supination with 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 N.mm values. Also, both models were subjected to volar and dorsal loads with values of 10, 30, and 50 N and traction force with 100, 150, and 200 N.ResultsMaximum and minimum principal stresses were evaluated for bones in all conditions, and von Mises stress was considered for the prosthesis and fixing screws. In supination, the maximum stress in Model A is significantly higher than the Model B. However, the maximum principal stress of both models is similar during volar and dorsal loading. In Model A, the maximum principal stress in traction is much smaller than in Model B. The absolute value of minimum principal stress in pronation and supination in Model B is higher than in Model A. The prostheses and screws are subjected to higher stresses during pronation than supination. Also, the amount of stress created in prostheses and screws during volar and dorsal loading is almost equal. In traction loading, screws are subjected to significantly high stresses.ConclusionOur study indicates that the interosseous DRUJ prosthesis can perform the foreman's normal daily activities. This prosthesis provides the ability similar to a normal hand.Level of evidenceIV.

Midterm Functional Outcome of the Linked Semiconstrained Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis.

Background A painful unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can seriously compromise hand and wrist function. The semiconstrained prosthesis was developed to restore DRUJ function. To date, most outcome reports are coauthored by the designer. Questions Does independent reporting confirm the promising results of the semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis? Are complication and failure rates acceptable? Patients and Methods We evaluated patients with the semiconstrained DRUJ implant and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. We monitored patient satisfaction and function with functionality questionnaires and measured wrist range of motion, grip, and key pinch strength. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, linear and logistic regression. Results We included 41 patients with 42 implants. Mean follow-up was 46 months (range: 24-102 months). Eighty percent of wrist had undergone previous surgery. We found a mean pronation of 83 degrees (0-90 degrees), supination of 70 degrees (0-90 degrees), flexion of 42 degrees (0-90 degrees), extension of 49 degrees (0-90 degrees), ulnar deviation of 24 degrees (0-60 degrees), and radial deviation of 14 degrees (0-40 degrees). Grip and key pinch strength were 20.1 (1-50 kg) and 6 kg (1-12 kg), respectively. Average patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation score was 42.7 (0-95), disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 38 (0-88), and visual analog scale score was 3.6 (0-8). We found a 43% complication rate (mostly minor: ulnar or radial tendinopathy, temporary hypoesthesia) with 24% reoperation and 92% prosthesis survival rate. Conclusion The linked semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis has its value in the surgical treatment of DRUJ failure. Currently, most implants are used in secondary surgery and multioperated wrists. More research is required to assess the value of the DRUJ prosthesis as a primary procedure. Level of evidence This is a level IV, therapeutic study.

Biomechanical evaluation of intraosseous distal radioulnar joint prosthesis: A prosthesis designed based on Sauvé-Kapandji procedure

IntroductionTo avoid the DRUJ surgical procedures disadvantages, a new intraosseous distal radioulnar prosthesis designed on Sauvé-Kapandji procedure has been introduced. Stability of the prosthesis and biomechanics are to be evaluated in this article. Materials and methodsOn a cadaveric study, during placement of the prosthesis, biometry of the bones, prosthesis stability (in axial and lateral tractions, wrist pronation and supination, and squeeze test), wrist range of motion before and after implantation, and radiographic evaluation were done on 16 cadavers. ResultsRange of motion of the wrist joint before and after the insertion of the prosthesis, had no significant difference in all six directions. Stability of the prosthesis, when rotational pronation force was exerted, was greater than when rotational supination force was exerted. The prosthesis showed significant stability against longitudinal traction forces in a way that no prosthesis dislocation was observed up to 150N forces. Stability of the prosthesis was investigated when lateral force was applied to different wrist positions. The most stable position of the prosthesis was in the case of lateral traction forces in supination where no case of dislocation was observed. ConclusionsThe intraosseous distal radioulnar prosthesis demonstrated stable structure with no effect on wrist range of motion. Level of evidenceIV.

Distal Radioulnar oint Prosthesis.

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) prostheses have been available for many years and despite their superior outcomes compared to conventional DRUJ reconstructions in both short and long-term follow-ups, they have not become as popular as common hip and knee prostheses. In the current review article, at the first step, we discussed the applied anatomy and biomechanics of the DRUJ, and secondly, we classified DRUJ prostheses according to available literature, and reviewed different types of prostheses with their outcomes. Finally we proposed simple guidelines to help the surgeon to choose the appropriate DRUJ prosthesis.

Introduction and Early Outcomes of Intraosseous Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis: A Pilot Study and a Technique on a New Design of the Sauvé-Kapandji Procedure.

Different surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) arthrosis and other conditions. This study aimed to introduce a new design of DRUJ prosthesis based on the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure followed by the evaluation of its short-term results. Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji techniques are two well-known salvage procedures. Various implant designs have been proposed for DRUJ substitution to avoid the disadvantages of these procedures. Before and after the insertion of the intraosseous DRUJ prosthesis in five patients, indices, such as the range of motion, as well as grip and pinch strengths were measured and recorded. Moreover, the patients were asked to complete three questionnaires (i.e., Quick-Disabilities of theArm,Shoulderand Hand; Visual Analogue Scale-Pain; and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation). The patients were followed up for 27.6 months. It is worth mentioning that all patients completed the follow-up period with no complication, except for one case who came with dislocation secondary to forearm malunion and proximal forearm impingement. According to the results, there were improvements in all indices, compared to pre- operation. The intraosseous distal radioulnar prosthesis can be an alternative option for the replacement of DRUJ.

Midterm Outcomes of the Use of a Spherical Ulnar Head Prosthesis for Failed Sauvé-Kapandji Procedures

The use of a spherical ulnar head prosthesis (UHP) for the treatment of symptomatic radioulnar convergence after Sauvé-Kapandji (SK) procedure has shown promising results in the short term. This study aims to evaluate the midterm outcome of the original cohort of patients treated with this technique. Seventeen patients with unstable ulnar stumps confirmed both clinically and radiographically were studied. The etiology for the initial SK procedure included posttraumatic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) incongruity, primary DRUJ arthrosis, and dysplastic DRUJ. Fourteen of the 17 patients had a minimum of 2, and a maximum of 6, operations prior to having a spherical UHP. All patients suffered from severe pain with difficulty in performing work and daily activities. Ceramic UHP was used for all patients, except 2 in whom a cobalt chrome head was used. The average follow-up was 6 years (range, 4-17 years). A marked reduction in pain was observed with 11 patients reporting that they remained pain free. The range of motion of the wrist and power grip was maintained and showed a statistically significant improvement at the late follow-up. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score also significantly improved from 77 to 41. There were no signs of prosthetic loosening at the midterm follow-up. The 2 patients with cobalt chrome prostheses had pain and osteolysis requiring revision to total DRUJ prosthesis. Two patients with dorsal prosthetic subluxation were successfully treated with distal radial osteotomy. The midterm results of ceramic spherical UHP for failed SK procedures in this small patient series are encouraging. Therapeutic IV.

Complications of Semiconstrained Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty.

The Aptis total distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) prosthesis is a semiconstrained implant designed for treatment of DRUJ arthritis and instability. The purpose of this study was to analyze short-term complications of this device. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing semiconstrained DRUJ arthroplasty from 2007 to 2015 at a single institution. Records were analyzed for complications and the need for subsequent surgical procedures. Two senior hand surgeons at one institution performed 52 semiconstrained DRUJ arthroplasties over 8 years. Nineteen complications necessitating operative management occurred in 15 patients (29%). A total of 26 procedures were undertaken to address these complications. Complications included 4 periprosthetic fractures, 3 infections, 2 instances of aseptic loosening, 2 implant component failures, 1 instance of screw loosening, 3 neuromas requiring neurectomy, 2 instances of finger stiffness necessitating extensor tenolysis, and 2 cases of heterotopic ossification at the DRUJ. Three of the 52 implants were revised (6%) and 2 were explanted (4%); 3 of these (6%) were caused by deep infection. There is limited literature on outcomes of the semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis. Prior studies reported low complication rates, with 0% to 5% revisions. In the current clinical series, 29% of patients required further surgery for complications, the most common reasons for which were periprosthetic fracture and infection. Therapeutic IV.

Total Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty

Objective: The total distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroplasty is an alternative of treatment of patients with symptomatic DRUJ due to advanced chondral damage, chronic ligamenteous instability, and failed resection arthroplasty (Sauvé-Kapandji, Darrach, etc.). The objective of this study is to assess the outcomes of total DRUJ arthroplasty in a case-series at mid-term follow-up. Methods: We performed a prospective evaluation of 5 patients, mean age 43.3 years (range, 32-56), with more than 4 years (mean 6.6 years, median 6 years) after a total DRUJ prosthesis (Aptis Medical). The indication was in 3 cases due to a posttraumatic arthritis (2 chronic instability and 1 postfracture arthritis), 1 primary arthritis in an ulna minus wrist, and 1 failed symptomatic Sauvé-Kapandji. Patients were symptomatic for a mean of 47.6 months prior the DRUJ prosthesis, all had chronic pain with daily pain medication and had a median of 2 wrist surgeries previous to the prosthesis (range, 0-4). We assessed the outcomes of range of motion, pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores at short-term and mid-term follow-up. Results: All patients had a significant improvement after the arthroplasty, at short-term (3-6 months) and mid-term. At the last evaluation, the mean arc of flexo-extension was 143° and prono-supination 148°. DASH score was 6.2 (range, 0-21.6) and PRWE score 17.2 (range, 0-53). Only 1 patient had mild to moderate pain, with occasional need of pain medications. Four patients required additional procedures, all of them at short-term (mean 12.3 months). One patient had an acute local infection treated with surgical debridement and implant preservation. Two patients had extensor tenosinovitis requiring tenolysis and 1 patient had excision of distal ulna calcifications. No patients have required implant removal and there have no sign of radiographic loosening. Conclusion: In this series of patients treated with a total DRUJ prosthesis, we observed a substantial clinical improvement, with preservation of motion, pain relief, and high functional levels, at short-term and mid-term follow-up. We consider the total DRUJ arthroplasty an excellent treatment option in selected patients with severely DRUJ damage.

Outcome after Implantation of the Aptis Total Distal Radioulnar Joint Replacement Prosthesis

To date, the Aptis distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) prosthesis by Scheker is the only total, bipolar prosthesis available. In the literature, only few data exist concerning the prosthesis and its surgical technique. Aim of the present study was the evaluation of the medium-term clinical and radiological outcome following implantation of the Aptis DRUJ prosthesis. 5 patients (4 women and 1 man) with mean age of 40.2 (30-65) years underwent secondary implantation of the Aptisprosthesis between February 2006 and May 2013. The average date of the follow-up was after 36 (24-48) months. Besides the complications, the wrist range of motion (ROM) and the strength in grip were measured. The quality of pain was determined using a visual analogue pain scale from 0-10. In follow-up X-ray controls, bone resorption and bony abnormalities were evaluated. The DASH score as well as the postoperative subjective satisfaction of the patients were recorded. No patient required removal of the prosthesis. Only 1 patient underwent secondary surgery in which debridement of the screw tip over the radius was required. The postoperative range of motion in pronation and supination was measured with 78 (70-90)° and 82 (70-90)°. The average grip strength amounted to 29 (24-32) kg. This represented 85 (76-100)% of the value of the contralateral side. Postoperative pain symptoms on the visual analogue pain scale were measured with 0 points at rest and with 1.2 (0-2) points under strain. Radiological evaluation showed bone resorption at the radial peg in 2 patients, but without evidence of implant loosening. The DASH score was recorded with 37 (13-75) points. All patients were satisfied or very satisfied after the surgical treatment. The Aptis prosthesis is a safe and efficient treatment option for previously failed surgery of the DRUJ.

Total distal radioulnar joint prosthesis as salvage surgery in multioperated patients

The purpose of this study was to report the results following implantation of a total distal radioulnar joint prosthesis in five multioperated patients with posttraumatic or Essex-Lopresti injury. The range of motion (ROM) for flexion and extension, radial deviation and ulnar deviation of the wrist, and pronation and supination of the forearm, grip strength, pain intensity through a visual analog scale (VAS), surgical complications and ability to return to work, were recorded. Subjective and objective functions were assessed using the quick DASH questionnaire and the modified Mayo wrist score, respectively. The mean postoperative follow-up was 4.3 years. Average postoperative increase in ROM was 28.8° for flexion-extension; 2.2° for radial and ulnar deviation, and 18° for pronation-supination, reaching 85.8%, 85% and 80.8% of the contralateral hand function, respectively. Grip strength increased by 6.8kg, with recovery of 78% of the strength of the unaffected hand. VAS score decreased to a mean of 6.2 postoperatively. There were complications in two cases. All five patients showed no signs of implant loosening or movement. The quick DASH score decreased from a mean of 85 preoperatively to 38.6 postoperatively. The modified Mayo wrist score increased from a mean of 24 preoperatively to 73 at final follow-up. Four patients recovered their professional and daily activities without restriction and were satisfied with the procedure; one patient with heterotopic bone formation at the distal tip of the ulnar stem did not want any further surgery and agreed to job modifications.

Outcome Assessment after Aptis Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Implant Arthroplasty.

Conventional treatments after complicated injuries of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) such as Darrach and Kapandji-Sauvé procedures have many drawbacks, which may eventually lead to a painful unstable distal ulna. The development of DRUJ prosthesis has significantly evolved over the past years. In this study, we assessed the outcome results of patients after DRUJ implant arthroplasty using the Aptis (Scheker) prosthesis. We identified 13 patients with 14 prosthesis during the past 10 years. Patients underwent DRUJ arthroplasty due to persistent symptoms of instability, chronic pain, and stiffness. Records and follow-up visits were reviewed to find the final post-operative symptoms, pain, range of motion, and grip strength with a mean follow-up of 12 months (range: 2-25 months). Also, patients were contacted prospectively by phone in order to administer the disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH), patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE), and visual analogue scale (VAS), and to interview regarding satisfaction and progress in daily activities. Eleven patients out of 13 could be reached with a median follow-up time of 60 months (range: 2 to 102 months). No patient required removal of the prosthesis. Only two patients underwent secondary surgeries in which both required debridement of the screw tip over the radius. The median DASH score, PRWE score, VAS, and satisfaction were 1.3, 2.5, 0, and 10, respectively. The mean range of flexion, extension, supination, and pronation was 62, 54, 51, and 64, respectively. Distal radioulnar joint injuries are disabling and patients usually undergo one or more salvage surgeries prior to receiving an arthroplasty. The Scheker prosthesis has shown satisfactory results with 100% survival rate in all reports. The constrained design of this prosthesis gives enough stability to prevent painful subluxation.

Semiconstrained Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) problems can occur as a result of joint instability, abutment, or incongruity. The DRUJ is a weight-bearing joint; the ulnar head is frequently excised either totally or partially, and in some cases it is fused, because of degenerative, rheumatoid, or posttraumatic arthritis. Articles about these procedures report the ability to pronate and supinate, but they rarely discuss grip strength, and even less do they address lifting capacity. We report the long term results of the first 35 patients who underwent total DRUJ arthroplasty with the Aptis DRUJ prosthesis after 5 years follow-up. Surgical indications were all causes of dysfunctional DRUJ (degenerative, posttraumatic, autoimmune, congenital). We recorded data for patient demographics, range of motion (ROM), strength, and lifting capacity of the operated and of the nonoperated extremity. Pain and functional assessments were also recorded. The Aptis DRUJ prosthesis, a bipolar self-stabilizing DRUJ endoprosthesis that restores forearm function, consists of a semiconstained and modular implant designed to replace the function of the ulnar head, the sigmoid notch of the radius, and the triangular fibrocartilage ligaments. The surgical technique is presented in detail. The majority of the patients regained adequate ROM and improved their strength and lifting capacity to the operated side. Pain and activities of daily living were improved. Twelve patients experienced complications, most commonly being extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinitis, ectopic bone formation, bone resorption with stem loosening, low-grade infection, and need for ball replacement. The Aptis total DRUJ replacement prosthesis is an alternative to salvage procedures that enables a full range of motion as well as the ability to grip and lift weights encountered in daily living activities.

Distal radioulnar joint prosthesis for the treatment of giant cell tumor of the distal ulna: a case report and literature review.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the distal end of the ulna is an uncommon site for primary bone tumors. When it occurs, en-bloc resection of the distal part of the ulna with or without reconstruction stabilization of the ulnar stump is the recommended treatment. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with a GCT of the distal ulna treated successfully with an en-bloc resection of the distal ulna with reconstruction using radioulnar joint prosthesis. Although the experience with this type of treatment is limited, implantation of a metallic prosthesis to replace the distal part of the ulna can also be considered as a salvage procedure for the treatment of this difficult pathology.

Resultados funcionales de la prótesis total radiocubital distal: caso clínico y revisión de la bibliografía

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is very important for lifting objects. When the DRUJ is injured, all of the joint elements and stabilizing elements must be reconstructed in order to be able to support the tension forces on the wrist and forearm and avoid significant loss of limb functions. The total DRUJ prosthesis developed by Scheker is a new alternative to be taken into account. It seems to allow anatomical and biomechanical repair of the DRUJ. Moreover, it gives better results than previously published procedures (removal, arthrodesis and hemiarthroplasty of the DRUJ). We present the case of a woman with symptomatic wrist instability due to dysfunction of the DRUJ who underwent Scheker's arthroplasty. In the postoperative period, we designed a new 12-week rehabilitation program, which gave us an excellent result. Finally we discuss our case, comparing them with those previously reported in the literature.

A New Total Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis: Functional Outcome

To present the evolution of design and the short-term functional outcome of our distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) prosthesis. This total DRUJ prosthesis differs from others in that it consists of 2 parts and attains bony fixation by its hydroxyapatite coating. Nineteen patients received a DRUJ prosthesis after a failed Darrach procedure (n = 10), Sauvé-Kapandji procedure (n = 7), trauma (n = 1), or DRUJ synovitis (n = 1). Indications for the placement were decreased grip, decreased forearm motion, and pain due to ulnar impingement syndrome and instability of the distal ulna. Seven prostheses were removed, 5 due to loosening, 1 due to continuing pain, and 1 at the request of the patient. The 5 prostheses that loosened were an intermediate prototype no longer in use. In 12 remaining cases, range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength were measured, and patients completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Pain was assessed with the visual analog scale (range, 0-10). A paired t-test was performed to assess the significance of the difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements. Statistically significant improvements were seen in forearm pronation, from an average of 79° to 88°; grip strength, from an average of 10 kg to an average of 16 kg; and visual analog scale score, decreased from a mean of 5.3 to a mean of 3.5. The distal ulna was clinically stable in all 12 patients who retained the prosthesis. The intermediate prototype had a high failure rate, 5 out of 5. The early results for the current prosthesis prototype show clinical improvement. Based on these results, we conclude that this prosthesis offers a new treatment option for ulnar instability after distal ulnar resection. Therapeutic IV.