Sauvè-Kapandji operation for disorders of the distal radioulnar joint

A series of 13 patients is reported in which a Sauvè-Kapandji procedure consisting of arthrodesis of the articulation between the radius and ulna combined with resection of the collum ulnae was used to treat posttraumatic caput ulnae syndrome. Among the nine female and four male patients whose median age was 42 years (range: 23 to 77 years), nine sustained a distal fracture that had healed with shortening of the radius or with subluxation of the caput ulnae. Median postoperative observation time was 16 months (range: six to 27 months). Preoperatively, all patients had persistent medial wrist pain and restricted pronation-supination. At follow-up, ten patients were without symptoms and three others had improved significantly. No patient suffered from pain from the site of the resection. A significant improvement in pronation-supination of 45 degrees and flexion-extension of 25 degrees were found. Hand grip strength improved significantly during rehabilitation. At follow-up, the average hand grip strength on the operated wrists was 69% compared to the uninjured side.