Total Distal Radioulnar Joint 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.

Twenty-Year Experience With Primary Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty From a Single Institution

The use of implant arthroplasty in the distal radioulnar joint is increasing. Two main types of implants are commonly used, ulnar head prosthesis (UHP) and hemi or semi-constrained total distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty. The literature consists mainly of small patient series. The purpose of this study was to examine our long-term outcomes of distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty. Patient data were collected in a patient registry from 2000 to 2019. The follow-up included radiographic examination, physical examination, Mayo Wrist Scores, pain level, range of motion, and grip strength. Reoperations were recorded. The implants were a semi-constrained prosthesis and a metallic UHP. The mean age at surgery was 50 years. Patient demographics were similar, but the semi-constrained group had a higher preoperative percentage of instability (85 vs 52 percent). The median follow-up time was 30 months for the semi-constrained implants group and 102 months for the UHP group. A total of 53 primary semi-constrained total joint arthroplasties and 102 UHPs were included. The grip strength and Mayo Wrist Score improved for both the implant groups. Pain reduced in 76% of the patients. Supination improved for the semi-constrained total joint arthroplasty group. Lifting capacity was better in the semi-constrained total joint arthroplasty patients. The unadjusted reoperation rate was 23% for the semi-constrained implants group and 34% for the UHP group. Twenty-two implants were bilateral; these had comparable results to unilateral implants. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated 94% survival rate for the semi-constrained implants group and 87% survival for the UHP group after 5 years. The risk factors associated with reoperation for the combined implant group included younger age at surgery, previous wrist surgery, ulnar shortening, and wrist fusion. Distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty improved functional outcomes in both the implant groups, but reoperations were frequent. The semi-constrained implants group had better lifting capacity. The bilateral implants had comparable outcomes to the unilateral implants. Therapeutic IV.

The Die Punch Fragment: Analysis of Fragment Geometry and Need for Fixation

Introduction Die punch (DP) fragments are among the most common fracture fragments to lose reduction after volar locked plating of articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). We aimed to report the number of patients in our institution who had a computed tomography (CT)-confirmed DP fragment and who had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through a dorsal approach; to report the length of the radioulnar portion of the DP fragment relative to the total distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) length; and to identify if an association exists between this length and the choice for a volar versus a dorsal operative approach to the DP fragment.Materials and Methods We performed measurements on the preoperative CT scans of 94 skeletally mature patients with a DP fragment. We also collected data related to their demographics, injury, and treatment. Of the 94 patients in this study, 84 (89%) had AO type C fractures.Results Thirteen out of 94 patients (14%) who had ORIF of their DRF with a DP fragment had a separate dorsal incision. The mean proportion of the DP fragment length relative to the total DRUJ length was 0.51 ± 0.19. There was no association between the length of the DP fragment and volar versus dorsal approach.Conclusion DP fragment size is not an indicator of the need for or use of a dorsal approach in DRF fixation.Level of Evidence This is a Level IV,—retrospective study.

Ulnar Head or Total Distal Radioulnar Joint Replacement, Isolated and Combined with Total Wrist Arthroplasty: Midterm Results.

Purpose Various implants have been described for ulnar head replacement (UHR) or for total replacement of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Many series are small and few reports on mid- or long-term results. This study is primarily aimed to report on the midterm results after ulnar head only and total DRUJ replacement using the uHead in the treatment of painful disorders of the DRUJ. The secondary aim of the study was to eventually assess the combination of UHR and total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). Materials and Methods We included 20 consecutive patients in whom an UHR with the uHead was performed at our institution between February 2005 and March 2017. There were 6 men and 14 women with mean age of 59 years (range: 36-80 years). The mean follow-up time was 5 years (range: 2-15 years). Data were recorded prospectively before operation and at follow-up examinations and entered in a registry. The patients were followed-up at 3 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and thereafter annually. In five cases, the uHead was implanted simultaneously with a Remotion TWA. In four cases, a Remotion TWA had been implanted previously. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probability of remaining free of revision. A nonparametric Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used for comparing data not normally distributed (qDASH [quick disabilities of the hand, shoulder, and arm] scores), and the paired parametric Student's t -test was used for normally distributed data (pain and visual analogue scale [VAS] scores, range of motion, and grip strength). Significance was set at a p -value of less than 0.05. Results Pain, grip strength, and the function improved significantly. Pain after surgery decreased with 50 points on the VAS score scale of 100, from 66 (mean), preoperatively (range: 16-97) to 16 (mean; range: 0-51), postoperatively, while grip strength nearly doubled from 12 KgF (mean; range: 4-22), before to 21 KgF (mean; range: 6-36), after the surgery. Patients function measured with qDASH scores improved from 56 (mean; range: 36-75), preoperatively to 19 (mean; range: 4-47), postoperatively. Wrist extension, flexion, and ulnar and radial deviation did not change to a clinically or statistically significant extend, neither did supination nor pronation improved after surgery. While three UHRs were revised early because of pain problems and/or unsatisfactory forearm rotation in two cases and infection in one, 17 had an uncomplicated postoperative course and these patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery at all the follow-ups. Due to limited number of cases, the calculation of significance in comparing combined cases with UHR only cases was abandoned. Conclusion Ulnar head arthroplasty (uHead) showed significant improvement in pain, grip strength, and the function of the patients with a painful disability of the DRUJ, without impairment on mobility on the midterm follow-up. The overall implant survival over the time and the complication rate was acceptable.

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.

Non-constrained implant arthroplasty for the distal radioulnar joint.

A variety of surgical techniques are used to treat the arthritic distal radioulnar joint, which is influenced by aetiology and previous procedures. Four types of ulnar head arthroplasty exist: total ulnar head, partial ulnar head, unlinked total distal radioulnar joint, and linked distal radioulnar joint. Although long-term outcome studies are sparse, short-term clinical and biomechanical studies have shown encouraging results, leading to expanded indications. Based on our experience and a literature review, patients are advised that pain is improved but minor pain is common after strenuous activity. Ulnar neck resorption is common, however, implant loosening is rare. Sigmoid notch erosion is concerning, but appears to stabilize and not affect outcome. A partial ulnar head replacement that retains bony architecture and soft tissue restraints may have benefit over a total ulnar head in appropriate patients. If appropriate selection criteria are met, ulnar head replacement typically produces reliable results, with low revision.

Distal radio-ulnar implant arthroplasty: a systematic review.

III.

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.

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.

Total Joint Arthroplasty of the Distal Radioulnar Joint for Rheumatoid Arthritis

To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of primary total distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) replacement as well as reconstruction following ulnar head excision in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventeen patients with RA underwent 19 total DRUJ replacement between 2005 and 2011. Mean age at the time of the surgery was 57 years. Mean follow-up was 39 months (range, 12-79 mo). Pain level was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pronation and supination were recorded before and after surgery. A patient satisfaction survey was used, as well as postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores. Ulnar translocation of the carpus was assessed radiographically, and the presence or absence of radiolucent zones around the implant were recorded. The preoperative average VAS score for the 19 joints was 7.3. Pain decreased after surgery to 2.2. Pronation improved from 56° before surgery to 78° afterward, a 39% improvement. Supination improved from 57° before surgery to 71° afterward, a 27% improvement. Final scores were 24 for the DASH and 24 for the PRWE. Fifteen patients reported substantial pain relief. All patients were satisfied with their surgical result. The results of this study suggest that total replacement of the DRUJ is of benefit to the patient with RA. Pronation was significantly increased and supination was increased but did not approach significance. Improvement in VAS score suggests that pain was decreased. Therapeutic IV.

The Biomechanical Stability of Salvage Procedures for Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis

To test distal forearm stability after 3 surgical procedures for distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis. We tested 11 cadaver limbs with the DRUJ intact, after distal ulna-matched hemiresection, after Darrach distal ulna resection, and after unlinked total DRUJ arthroplasty. We evaluated distal forearm stability in neutral rotation, full pronation, and full supination in unweighted and 1-kg-weighted conditions. We measured dorsal/palmar translation and convergence/divergence of the distal radius relative to the ulna. Under neutral rotation, whether weighted or unweighted, matched hemiresection and Darrach specimens demonstrated significant radioulnar convergence relative to intact specimens. Weighted and unweighted, DRUJ arthroplasty demonstrated similar radioulnar convergence to intact. Weighted and unweighted, only Darrach specimens showed significant radius-palmar translation compared with intact, hemiresected, and DRUJ arthroplasty. In pronation, no testing scenario, either weighted or unweighted, demonstrated statistically significant radioulnar convergence relative to intact state. In unweighted pronation, palmar translation of the radius was significantly different from the intact state for all surgical scenarios and the Darrach was significantly worse than the other procedures. In weighted pronation, palmar translation of the radius was significantly different from the intact state for all surgical scenarios and the matched hemiresection was significantly better than the other procedures. In supination, weighted and unweighted, Darrach specimens had significant radioulnar convergence relative to intact. Either weighted or unweighted, the hemiresection and arthroplasty groups demonstrated similar radioulnar convergence relative to intact. Unweighted, all scenarios demonstrated similar dorsal translation of the radius. Weighted, the Darrach group showed significant radius-dorsal translation relative to intact specimens. For tested procedures, DRUJ arthroplasty overall was biomechanically superior to the other conditions except that we found greater stability in the hemiresected group in weighted pronation. Knowledge of baseline biomechanical characteristics of DRUJ arthritis procedures will aid surgical decision-making and patient counseling.

Objective Outcomes Following Semi-Constrained Total Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty

A dysfunctional distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can significantly compromise an individual's forearm rotation, grip, and weight bearing at the hand and wrist. This retrospective study reports surgeon- and therapist-collected objective wrist function and subjective pain scores of 10 patients who received the Scheker total DRUJ prosthesis. A review of these patients' medical records was performed to collect preoperative measurements of wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and pain scores (0-10 scale). The degree of pronation, supination, flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation were the outcome measures used to evaluate wrist ROM. Postoperative measurements were collected at a follow up of 5 ± 1.1 years in our clinic (minimum follow-up of 2yrs). Mean final wrist flexion and extension were 32.1 ± 22.8° and 44.8 ± 13.9°, respectively. Mean final supination and pronation were 72.5 ± 14.4° and 69.5 ± 14.6°, respectively. Average grip strength was 54.9 ± 23.7 lbs. The mean pain score was 3.6 ± 3.1. Although there were no statistically significant changes in any of these outcome measures, the Scheker prosthesis improved wrist ROM (with the exception of wrist flexion) and decreased pain. Grip strength decreased by less than 1 lb but was still higher than the postoperative grip strength measurements in the literature for this prosthesis. Because of the self-stabilizing nature of this prosthesis and the satisfactory functional outcomes from this study and other studies, the Scheker prosthesis is still a viable option for DRUJ pathology that is refractory to nonimplant arthroplasties. This is a therapeutic level IV study.

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.

Preliminary Experience with a New Total Distal Radioulnar Joint Replacement

This study reports the intermediate-term results of four patients from a series eight patients who have had an insertion of a new complete distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) prosthesis. A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent DRUJ joint replacement with the STABILITY Sigmoid Notch Total DRUJ System between the years of 2003 and 2008. To be included in this report, all patients had to have more than 24 months of follow-up and hand examination by the senior author. From the eight patients with this procedure, four patients met the inclusion criteria. These included one patient with painful posttraumatic arthritis, two patients with failed hemiarthroplasty, and one patient with a failed Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. Mean age at the time of surgery was 42.5 years (range: 35 to 51 years) and mean follow-up was 46 months (range: 36 to 66 months). Preoperative and postoperative assessment included range of motion, grip strength, visual analog pain scale, patient satisfaction, and radiographic evaluation. There was a successful replacement of the DRUJ in all four patients. Final range of motion showed mean pronation of 80 degrees (range: 60 to 90 degrees) and mean supination of 64 degrees (range: 45 to 90 degrees). Final grip strength on the operated extremity was 25.5 kg and averaged 73% of contralateral side. This was an improvement from preoperative grip strength of 14.5 kg visual analog pain scale decreased from 8 to 2.5 following surgery (scale: 1 to 10). Patient satisfaction was 100%. One patient returned to manual labor, one patient returned to office work, and two patients remained off work. Postoperative radiographs depict appropriate alignment of the DRUJ, and there have been no cases of subluxation or dislocation. Implant survival has been 100%. Total DRUJ joint replacement with sigmoid notch resurfacing and distal ulna replacement is an alternative to ulnar head resection in cases of DRUJ arthritis. Total DRUJ arthroplasty with this resurfacing design may provide a means of decreasing pain and restoring DRUJ stability and motion following severe trauma, failed hemiarthroplasty, or failed Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. More experience is needed with this implant to confirm these initial encouraging results. The level of evidence for this study is IV (therapeutic, case series).

Future of Wrist Arthroplasty

It is a great honor for me to be the Guest Editor for this special focus section on total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) in the first issue of the Journal of Wrist Surgery. The development of TWA for advanced wrist destruction follows that of the other major joints. However, the pace is slow for two main reasons: (1) wrist fusion is a traditional and reliable method to treat wrist destruction irrespective of its etiology and (2) the first generation TWA suffered from a number of medium- and long-term problems. However, one fact was striking: despite all the complications of the first-generation TWA, many patients who underwent arthroplasty on one side and arthrodesis on the other still preferred wrist arthroplasty. Since 2000, new resurfacing TWA designs have been proposed with better early results that led to more indications in selected patients. In these last-generation implants, the amount of bone resection is minimal and the adjacent carpometacarpal and distal radioulnar joint may be kept intact. Should the implant fail, conversion to total wrist fusion may be much easier than with the first-generation TWA. With this in mind, it is interesting to note that the use of TWA progresses as the use of total ankle arthroplasty does. The rationale is similar: patients prefer motion irrespective of the joint destroyed. Given the better early results of the last-generation TWA, there are a number of new trends trying to go even further, to get a reliable prosthetic solution for patients with advanced wrist destruction. I wish to thank all authors of this special focus section which is intended to provide the reader with the latest information about the controversial topic of TWA. The very first article on the recent total distal radioulnar joint resurfacing implant is also included in this TWA special section. Guillaume Herzberg, M.D., Ph.D. Although arthrodesis is typically the treatment preferred by most surgeons for their patients with severe wrist arthritis, some degree of functional impairment occurs from the resulting loss of motion, especially when multiple joints in the extremity are affected by arthritis or both wrists are involved. Total wrist arthroplasty has been shown to enhance the performance of daily activities and patients usually prefer it over arthrodesis. Early designs of wrist implants had unacceptable complication rates, particularly relating to wrist imbalance and implant loosening. Newer generation wrist prostheses have demonstrated improved performance and durability in properly selected patients, including patients with osteoarthritis and posttraumatic arthritis, who had not previously been considered candidates. This symposium reviews the indications, techniques, and outcomes of current wrist arthroplasty techniques, including some innovative concepts for higher physically demanding patients. The future appears positive for greater adoption of total wrist arthroplasty for patients who are willing to accept somewhat greater risks for the benefit of improved function. Brian D. Adams, M.D.

Outcomes of a self-constrained distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty: a case series of six patients.

Resection arthroplasty of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), such as the Darrach procedure, is a common treatment for pathology that proves refractory to more conservative measures. Although outcomes are often favorable, complications include pain, instability, ulnar translation of the carpus, and abutment of the ulnar stump on the radius [7, 13]. Darrach procedures yield inferior outcomes in patients with high functional demands [7, 26] and numerous soft-tissue stabilization procedures have been developed to control an unstable residual ulnar stump [3, 4, 12]. Unfortunately, the failed distal ulnar resection has proved quite problematic, with persistently poor outcomes despite multiple stabilization procedures [2]. DRUJ implant arthroplasty offers a possible solution. Distal ulnar hemiarthroplasties exist [5, 10], as do total ulnar head replacements [8, 14, 20, 25], but their stability requires some contribution from native soft tissues, which are often deficient, especially in salvage situations [22]. More recently, total DRUJ replacements have been developed [11, 19, 23]. One particular implant is the bipolar, self-constrained Aptis Total DRUJ Replacement Prosthesis (Aptis Medical, Louisville, KY) [21, 22]. This report describes our experience with this new implant.

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.

Total Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty in Adults with Symptomatic Madelung's Deformity

Madelung's deformity is a well-known congenital anomaly of the wrist. A number of procedures have been described to correct the deformity and thus improve function at the wrist. Most of these procedures have to a large extent addressed the alignment and consequent function of the radiocarpal joint but not the persistent problem of painful stiffness at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The availability of a total DRUJ prosthesis appears to provide a solution to this problem. This article discusses our early experience with total DRUJ arthroplasty using the Scheker prosthesis for managing pain and decreased range of motion in three adult patients with symptomatic Madelung's deformity.