Ulnar Instability Research Articles

Aptis Distal Radioulnar Joint Implant: Management of Remarkable Complications

Abstract Background The aim of an Aptis distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) implant is to reconstruct the DRUJ in patients with a destroyed, painful DRUJ, and gross ulnar instability. The literature is scarce regarding the management of (severe) early complications related to the Aptis implant in wrists with more rare conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, congenital malformations, or leiomyosarcoma of the distal ulna. Purpose This paper describes the clinical results, (severe) early complications related to the implant, revision surgery, patient satisfaction with the revision surgery, and esthetic appearance of the affected wrist in this specific cohort. Patients and Methods Retrospective evaluation of five consecutive patients with a short-to-medium follow-up time of 32 months (range: 18–53 months) was carried out. Results The follow-up revealed implant osseointegration failure in two cases, periprosthetic fractures in two cases, and acute carpal tunnel syndrome in one case. Three Aptis DRUJ arthroplasties were converted into a proximal Darrach. In four cases (80%), the patient was satisfied with the revision surgery due to pain reduction. In four cases (80%), the esthetic appearance of the affected wrist was found disappointing. Conclusion This study describes remarkable complications related to the Aptis implants in wrists with more rare conditions. The implant is more likely to fail in wrists with poor bone stock, remodeling of the radius, deformation, and malformation of the radius. The range of indications for the usage of the implant to maintain wrist function may be strict. Level of Evidence IV.

Exercise-based intervention as a nonsurgical treatment for patients with carpal instability: A case series

BackgroundAlthough the important roles of proprioception and neuromuscular control in carpal instabilities under laboratory conditions have been recognized, only a few studies have translated this knowledge into a routine clinical practice. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the results of a personalized rehabilitation in patients with carpal instability on functionality and pain intensity. Study designThis was a case series study. MethodsThis case series included 39 adults (mean age: 38.2 ± 14.0 years; 16/23 females/males) diagnosed with carpal instability (radial or ulnar) with indication for orthopedic treatment. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire was used to assess upper limb functionality. Pain perception was assessed using a visual analog scale. Exercise-based physiotherapy interventions were performed according to the clinical needs of the patients for at least 6 weeks (2-3 sessions per week). For the treatment of radial instability (n = 13), strengthening exercises of the abductor pollicis longus, extensor carpi radialis longus, flexor carpi radialis, and pronator quadratus muscles were prescribed. For the treatment of ulnar instability (n = 24), extensor carpi ulnaris and pronator quadratus were trained. All patients underwent proprioceptive training in open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain, as well as strengthening of the unaffected hand. Changes before and after treatment were compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test. ResultsA significant improvement with a large effect size in disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (P < .001; d = 2.9) and visual analog scale (P < .001; d = 3.2) scores were obtained after treatment. Moreover, the changes were greater than the minimal clinically important difference of 10.8 and 1.4, respectively. Similar results were found when patients with radial instability and ulnar instability were analyzed separately. ConclusionsPersonalized training with specific proprioception and strengthening exercises produces improvements in functionality and pain perception in our cohort of people with carpal instability. These results highlight the importance of multicomponent exercise in the treatment of wrist instability. Future randomized clinical trials should further investigate the effectiveness of this protocol.

Elbow Dislocation with Irretrievable Rotating‐Rope Injury of the Forearm: Case Report and Literature Review

BackgroundSimultaneous dislocation of the elbow, radioulnar joint and proximal radius fracture with rotary noose injury to the medial ulna tubercle is extremely rare. An emergency surgery was performed to reduce it. The radial head with the backbone was reset after two hammers were fixed, then the radial capitulum safety was fixed with a locking plate. After the ulnar instability was examined, two Kirschner wires were drilled percutaneously to fix the elbow flexion at 100° under closed reduction, and two Kirschner wires were drilled percutaneously to fix the ulnar joint. Good follow‐up results were achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on this particular type of injury and on this approach to treating this type of injury.Case presentationWe report the case of a 36‐year‐old male, who extended and landed on his left hand to protect his child in right arm before felling, resulting in severe pain and deformity of his left elbow and wrist and loss of movement in these joints. X‐ray examination found proximal distal radioulnar joints, a proximal radial fracture and a dislocation bowstring in the ulna nodule. For a timely diagnosis in an emergency open reduction situation, accurate judgment of this injury is highly important. After 12 months of postoperative follow‐up, the patient was symptom‐free, and radiographs showed fracture healing.ConclusionWe performed emergency reduction and internal fixation of the elbow and successfully saved elbow function, no stability decrease and movement restriction. This case also provides a new reference for the treatment of this type of elbow fracture dislocation.

A Modified Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tenodesis with the Sauvé-Kapandji Procedure.

Background: Since the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure was introduced in 1936, many modifications were created using dynamic stabilizer, such as the ECU (extensor carpi ulnaris), the FCU (flexor carpi ulnaris), pronator teres to solve proximal ulnar stump pain. We believe that this modification is also another option for distal ulnar stump instability. Methods: From January 1998 to February 2017, there were 13 patients received the Sauvé-Kapandji (S-K) procedure with tenodesis of the ECU to the carpus and interosseous membrane. The average age at operation was 52 years (range, 28 to 63 years). Four had traumatic arthritis (two from distal radial fracture malunion, two had instability of distal radioulnar joint from Essex-Lopresti injury), four had primary osteoarthritis of the distal radio-ulnar joint, two had rheumatoid arthritis, one had gouty arthritis, two had madelung deformity. The average follow-up was 30 months (range, 15 to 72 months). Results: Postoperative pronation/supination of the forearm had significantly improved with the exception of the wrist flexion/extension. After surgery, the mean radioulnar distance was narrowed from 11 mm to 9 mm, but no significant difference in 12 patients. All patients had improved in wrist pain, 10 patients had no pain and 3 patients with mild pain over the distal ulnar stump. The mean grip strength had significantly improved from 51% of the contralateral side to 75%. The lateral and stress X-ray films showed no instability of the distal ulnar stump after surgery. Conclusions: In conclusion, the modified S-K procedure using the tenodesis of ECU provides a multi-directional stability and is a reliable surgical procedure for distal radioulnar disorders.

Treatment of Proximal Ulnar Stump after Darrach or Sauvé-Kapandji Procedure by Transfer of Insertion-Released Pronator Quadratus Pedicle.

Background: Treatment of the proximal ulnar stump with the Darrach or Sauvé-Kapandji (SK) procedure remains controversial. Ulnar wrist symptoms can result, and although many surgeons attribute these to ulnar stump instability, they can also be caused by radioulnar convergence or stump irritation. We present a novel surgical method for protecting the proximal ulnar stump and avoiding these complications. Methods: Our cases were five men and five women (mean age 72.0 years, range, 34-89). Mean follow-up duration was 41.7 months (range, 6-101 months). Radiological findings were osteoarthritis in five, rheumatoid arthritis of distal radioulnar joint in three, and ulnocarpal abutment syndrome in two. Pronator quadratus (PQ) was released from its insertion on the radius and transferred dorsally to cover the proximal ulnar stump. Postoperative ulnar wrist symptoms such as ulnar stump tenderness, forearm range of motion, and grip strength were compared with contralateral values. Dynamic radioulnar impingement was evaluated by Lee and Scheker's stress roentgenogram. Nine patients completed the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) at final follow-up. Results: No patients reported ulnar wrist pain or tenderness at the proximal ulnar stump. Postoperative forearm range of motion recovered almost to contralateral values in cases without preoperative forearm contracture. In the two cases with contracture, postoperative pronation and supination recovered to more than their preoperative range. Grip strength averaged 86.4% (range, 66.7-103%) of the contralateral value at final follow-up. Lees and Scheker's stress roentgenogram revealed marked radioulnar impingement in one case, mild impingement in four cases and none in five, yet no patient complained of pain during the maneuver. The mean PRWE score was 34.7 points (range, 0-52.5 points). Conclusions: Insertion-released PQ pedicle transfer is an effective treatment option for the proximal ulnar stump after the Darrach or SK procedure.

Percutaneous Reconstruction of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb: Technique and Results

Abstract Objectives The present study aims to describe a new percutaneous technique for the reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb with a tendon graft, and to evaluate the functional outcomes and stability six months postoperatively. Material and methods The percutaneous ligamentoplasty technique was performed with a palmaris longus tendon graft and tenodesis screws in 6 patients with ulnar instability of the thumb (&gt; 30° degrees of radial deviation) for more than 6 weeks. Range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength (lateral/key pinch, tip pinch, and palmar pinch) were assessed in comparison to the contralateral limb, as well as the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Results At 6 months, the joint movement was of 100%, the grip strength was of 94.8%, the key pinch was of 95%, the palmar pinch was of 85.7%, and the tip pinch was of 93.5% compared to the contralateral limb. The internal tilt was of 14° compared to 9° at the contralateral limb. The Quick DASH score decreased from 24.2 to 2.6 points. Conclusion We devised this versatile surgical procedure to obtain early mobility with the advantages related to the percutaneous techniques.

Treatment of Severe Ulnar Instability of the MCP Joint Improves Function in LRTI Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb CMC Joint.

Background Comorbidity in the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) of the thumb, i.e., hyperextension or ulnar collateral instability, could affect the outcome of arthroplasty in the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCj). Objective In a retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of arthrodesis of the MCPj for thumbs with unstable MCPj and simultaneous ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty for the CMCj in terms of strength, function, and patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods A total of 69 thumbs treated with a LRTI arthroplasty of the CMCj were included. In 14 of those cases, an arthrodesis of the MCPj was performed as well. In 12 thumbs, both procedures were done simultaneously; in one case MCPj arthrodesis followed LRTI arthroplasty, whereas one patient already had MCPj arthrodesis at time of LRTI arthroplasty. Those 14 thumbs were compared with the control group of 55 thumbs who had only undergone LRTI. At a mean follow-up of 4 to 5 years (mean 54 [10-124] months) postoperative assessments included range of motion (ROM) of the CMC, MCP, and interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb, as well as any instability of the MCPj. Pinch and grip strength were examined, also the visual analogue scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, QuickDASH, PRWE-Thumb, and the Kapandji's Opposition Score. Radiologically, proximalization of the first metacarpal bone was measured. Student's t -test was used to determine significance, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Additional arthrodesis of the MCPj provided no significant difference of function in thumbs that only had a hyperextension-instability. However, in thumbs with marked ulnar instability, stronger pinch-grip was obtained with arthrodesis, compared with only LRTI. Conclusion In patients with advanced painful thumb CMCj osteoarthritis, we recommend (simultaneous) arthrodesis of the MCPj, to allow a stable thumb grip if there is additional marked ulnar collateral ligament instability. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Résection de la première chaîne de carpe et remplacement prothétique avec RCPI. Plus de dix ans d’expérience personnelle

Proximal row carpectomy is an accepted treatment for degenerative wrist diseases like scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC), scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC), scaphoid chondrocalcinosis (SCAC) and advanced stages of Kienbock disease (KDAC). From March 2004 to November 2018, we treated 91 patients by proximal row carpectomy and replacement of capitate's head with RCPI implant. Forty patients were affected by SNAC, 20 by SLAC, 15 by SCAC, 7 by KDAC, 3 by failure of previous PRC, 3 by chronic transcapho perilunate fracture-dislocations, 2 Apsis prosthesis luxation and 1 patient by gout wrist. Mean age at surgery was 54 years (range 22–81). Patients were evaluated by active and passive range of motion (ROM), Jamar grip strength, Disability of the arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, visual analogue scale (VAS). They were requested to express their satisfaction or unsatisfaction after surgery. Radiographs were undertaken to check implant stability, sinking or failure, subchondral osteolysis and ulnar instability. We controlled 74 patients, average follow-up was 63 (range 14–134) months. Mean VAS was 1.4 (8.4 preoperatively), complete pain relief (VAS 0) was achieved in 31 patients, average grasp strength was 22.1 kg (12.3 kg preoperatively); average ROM was 78° for flexion-extension and 24° for radial-ulnar deviation. Mean DASH score was 8.4 (56.9 before). In 50 cases, implant was correctly anchoraged. In 19 patients, a slight medial translation was observed, without pain. Two patients affected by stage 3rd SLAC and 4th SLAC, presented ulnar instability with impingement between implant and caput ulnae at 6 months from surgery. The patient affected by gout, 2 years after had a recurrence of stiffness with calcification incorporating the implant. One patient had an infection 7 years after intervention: she underwent implant removal and application of a cemented antibiotic spacer. Seventy-one patients were satisfied, 3 unsatisfied. When arthritis affects capitate's head, PRC is not indicated: replacement with resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant (RCPI) combined with PRC represents a good alternative to four corner arthrodesis or capitate-lunate arthrodesis associated to scaphoidectomy. RCPI prosthesis associated to PRC demonstrated good clinical and radiographic results on 74 patients controlled: it can be indicated in cases of SNAC, SLAC, SCAC 4th stage with alterated articular surface of lunate fossa of distal radius, KDAC and chronic peri-lunar fracture-dislocations with severe arthrosis.

Double Fascial Flap Stabilization for Ulnar Nerve Instability After In Situ Decompression

Purpose To assess the outcomes of double fascial flap stabilization in managing ulnar nerve subluxation after a simple decompression procedure for cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 20 patients who experienced ulnar nerve subluxation after simple decompression and were treated with double fascial flap stabilization between 2016 and 2018. Fascial flaps were harvested from the flexor carpi ulnaris and the septum between the triceps and biceps. Patients were classified using McGowan criteria and outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale, grip strength, and the criteria of Messina and Messina for recovery. In addition, we assessed ulnar nerve instability after in situ decompression in 10 fresh cadavers. Tang's grading and measuring system was used to measure ulnar instability. Results There were 13 excellent and 7 good outcomes (65% and 35%, respectively). Mean follow-up duration was 9.1 months (range, 3–23 months). Mean visual analog scale scores improved significantly from 5.8 before to 1.3 after surgery. Mean Quick–Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores improved significantly from 37.9 before to 10.9 after surgery. Mean grip strength compared with the contralateral side improved significantly from 73.9% before to 89.6% after surgery. Anatomic cadaveric dissection revealed that 6 of 10 cadavers (60%) met the criterion of moderate to severe ulnar nerve instability. Conclusions Double fascial flap stabilization with simple decompression resulted in excellent short-term clinical results. This technique provides an alternative strategy to prevent ulnar nerve instability with the advantage of preserving nerve vascularity. Long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the potential impact on recurrence or failure of simple decompression. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.

Traumatic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries and Instability of the Distal Radioulnar Joint

Traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries require multidisciplinary approach and plan. Trauma to TFCC can lead to instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Injury to TFCC is classified as a stable type that does not cause unstable lesions for DRUJ or unstable type that can cause instability of DRUJ. According to the location and severity of the injury, arthroscopic debridement or arthroscopic repair may be considered. In the ulnar side avulsion of TFCC, which could cause DRUJ instability, arthroscopic examination should be performed to identify an accurate location of the damaged structures, followed by arthroscopic debridement and repair. In the event of TFCC and DRUJ injuries with ulnar positive variance, arthroscopic TFCC repair or ulnar shortening osteotomy after arthroscopic debridement could be considered to solve the instability and ulnar side pain. However, if peripheral TFCC tear with ulnar impaction syndrome and DRUJ instability, it combined operation of ulnar shortening osteotomy and TFCC foveal fixation could be considered. An accurate classification of TFCC and DRUJ injuries is necessary. It is important to resolve and prevent recurrence of ulnar wrist pain caused by instability.

Novel Suture Anchor Technique with Continuous Locking Stitch for Collateral Ligament Repair.

Collateral ligaments are difficult to repair due to large amount of fraying in detached ligaments and attenuated stumps that may not provide enough strength after the repair. Although strong locking sutures are used to repair the ligament with proper tension, these damages can cause pull-out failure or relaxation of the repaired ligaments even from undersized load that may extend postoperative splinting or casting time. Furthermore, current suture techniques can repair varus or valgus instability of the elbow and radial or ulnar instability of the fingers, but these techniques do not offer rotatory stability of these areas. We have developed a novel suture anchor technique that has overcome this problem of current suture techniques, and this can be used to correct rotatory instability in the elbow and fingers. We used this procedure in seven cases with injury of collateral ligament in the elbow and eight cases with detached collateral ligaments of finger joint. No patient experienced rerupture or any kind of residual instability. We believe that the proposed method can produce much stronger repair and may shorten the postoperative immobilization period.

Anatomic double-bundle reconstruction with free tendon graft for chronic ulnar instability of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

Failed primary treatment of thumb metacarpophalangeal ligament injuries may lead to chronic instability. Different treatments have been described such as secondary ligament suture, fusion, dynamic or static procedures. Techniques to restrain the joint stability with various grafts of different configurations have been published, but most of these address only the proper collateral ligament. Experimental data revealed the importance of the accessory collateral ligament in stabilizing the metacarpophalangeal joint. In a former, true anatomic ligament reconstruction a bone-tendon graft was used; the tendon was split longitudinally to reconstruct both parts of the collateral ligament. This technique was modified by the author: a resorbable interference screw was used to fix a free tendon graft double in the metacarpal head, creating 2 identical bundles for reconstruction of both the proper and the accessory collateral ligament. The results of the first 10 patients with chronic ulnar instability in their otherwise intact thumb are reported. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Eight patients had excellent result and 2 patients had good result according to the Glickel grading system. The mean loss of motion in the metacarpophalengeal joint was 9% and the mean loss of pinch strength was 9% compared with the contralateral thumb. The technical details, pitfalls, complications, and rehabilitation are described in this paper.

A New Distal Radioulnar Joint Prosthesis

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.

SCAPHOID TRANSLATION MEASUREMENTS IN NORMAL WRISTS

The purpose of this study was to establish a normal measure of scaphoid position in the radioulnar plane in standard neutral, radial and ulnar deviation posteroanterior radiographs. This measurement may allow indirect evaluation of the radiocarpal ligaments and comparison between normal and pathologic states (following radius fractures, perilunate dislocations). Measurements were trialed on 74 normal wrist radiographs and 25 cadaver wrists. We evaluated the distance between the radial styloid and the scaphoid and corresponding scaphoid width. The ratio of distance/width at the mid styloid level (0.35, imprecision SD = 0.1) had the lowest random error and is therefore the most precise measurement of true scaphoid translation. This measurement is independent of scapholunate ligament integrity and may provide a better assessment of the radiocarpal component of ulnar translational instability. Abnormal movement of the scaphoid in the radioscaphoid joint likely reflects ligamentous injury. Identifying and addressing these injuries may prevent the development of arthritis.

Radioulnar laxity and clinical outcome do not correlate after a distal radius fracture

Injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex associated with distal radius fracture may cause symptoms of ulnar instability. Assessed by a radioulnar stress test, increased laxity of the distal radioulnar joint has in two previous studies been depicted to be associated with poorer outcome. This prospective study of 40 adults investigates the correlation of this test with functional outcome as measured by DASH. No clinically significant difference was found in relation to this test at two and five years after injury. Therefore using this test alone to decide whether or not to perform an acute repair of the TFCC cannot be recommended.

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.

SALVAGE OF A FAILED SAUVÉ-KAPANDJI PROCEDURE USING A TOTAL DISTAL RADIO-ULNAR JOINT REPLACEMENT

This is the first report in the literature of a patient treated with a DRUJ replacement after Sauvé-Kapandji procedure failed due to pain and instability. The DRUJ replacement is an unconstrained, biomechanically more advantageous implant which can confer stability in cases where soft tissues are inadequate. We describe the treatment and outcome of persistent ulnar instability with a distal radio-ulnar joint replacement following failed salvage procedures for a malunion of a distal radius fracture.

Bone–Periosteum–Bone Graft Reconstruction for Chronic Ulnar Instability of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb—Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up Evaluation

The present study evaluated prospectively the functional and radiological results of a consecutive series of 7 patients who had bone-periosteum-bone (BPB) grafts harvested from the iliac crest for treatment of chronic ulnar instability of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb after a minimum of 60 months. Seven thumbs from 7 patients were entered into a prospective study for surgical treatment of chronic finger joint instability. Treatment consisted of reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the MCP joint of the thumb by a BPB graft harvested from the iliac crest. Stability, range of motion, pinch grip, and radiographs were evaluated at least 60 months after surgery. All 7 patients had full active range of motion of the treated thumb at the final follow-up evaluation (average, 75 months after surgery). All patients had equal stability and normal pinch grip when comparing with the untreated thumb. The mean time off work was 3 months for 6 patients who were injured at work. At final follow-up evaluation, radiographs showed all grafts incorporated without implant complications, no osteoarthritis changes were noted, and stress radiographs showed that all patients had normal stability in the treated thumb when compared with the untreated thumb. Chronic ulnar instability of the MCP joint of the thumb reconstructed with BPB graft harvested from the iliac crest is an effective and safe method to allow restoration and maintenance of a stable, pain-free thumb. The results of the current study support the long-term durability of this method. Therapeutic IV.

Bone–Periosteum–Bone Graft Reconstruction for Chronic Ulnar Instability of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb—Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up Evaluation

Bone–Periosteum–Bone Graft Reconstruction for Chronic Ulnar Instability of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb—Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up Evaluation

Case report: Revision of failed Sauvé-Kapandji procedure with an ulnar head prosthesis

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure has been developed in order to solve distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) disorders. Postoperative results are variable. Complications such as painful ulnar stump, ulnar instability and loss of grip strength have often been described. We report the case of a painful ulnar stump instability resulting from a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. After several attempted salvage procedures, a custom-made Herbert distal ulnar head prosthesis was implanted. Long-term results showed complete pain relief, improvement of the range of motion and satisfactory grip strength recovery. Our findings confirm that the Herbert custom-made ulnar head prosthesis appear to be a reliable salvage solution for failed Sauvé-Kapandji procedures.