A review of distal ulnar hemi-resection arthroplasty

15 patients with pain and disability on the ulnar side of the wrist were treated by distal ulnar hemiresection arthroplasty. The patients' diagnoses fell into three groups, namely ulnocarpal impingement, primary osteoarthritis of the distal radio-ulnar joint and traumatic disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively on the basis of pain and forearm rotation. Grip strength was assessed and compared with the unaffected side. Their subjective view of the operation was also sought. The best results were seen in those patients with osteoarthritis or traumatic disruption, although all patients were improved and none made worse. No patient complained of weakness although three were assessed to have a weak grip. Subjectively, 14 of the 15 were pleased or very pleased. The procedure was well tolerated and had low morbidity.