[Long-term results after a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. Report on 105 post-traumatic cases]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand and Wrist Surgery

Background:

• Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis and limited motion often result from distal radius or forearm fractures.
• Conservative treatments may fail, necessitating surgical intervention for pain relief and functional restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of the modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for DRUJ pathology.
• To assess improvements in range of motion, strength, pain, and joint stability post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 105 patients undergoing the modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for DRUJ dysfunction.
• Clinical assessment included motion, strength, and pain evaluation; radiographic assessment focused on arthrodesis union, carpal translation, and radioulnar distance.
• Average follow-up duration was 8 years.

Main Results:

• Forearm rotation improved by 53%, and grip strength reached 70% of the contralateral side.
• 97% of patients reported reduced pain, and 100% achieved solid arthrodesis.
• Minor ulnar carpal drift (5%) was noted, with 74% showing reduced radioulnar distance without direct ulna-radius contact.

Conclusions:

• The modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure offers significant long-term benefits for patients with painful DRUJ arthritis and limited motion.
• The procedure effectively restores function, alleviates pain, and achieves stable arthrodesis with a low complication rate.