[Clinical results after Sauve-Kapandji procedure in relation to diagnosis]

We present the results of a retrospective study on 56 patients who underwent the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for chronic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Outcome was assessed with special regard to the diagnosis. The average follow-up was 5.9 years (1-12 years). Patients were assessed for pain, range of motion of wrist and forearm, and radiological features. The DASH score and Mayo wrist score were used. The diagnosis had an influence on the outcome. Patients with primary arthrosis of the DRUJ demonstrated better results than patients with traumatic disorders. Patients with growth deficiency-related complaint of the DRUJ showed slightly inferior results after the Sauve-Kapandji procedure compared to all patients. Patients were free of pain or had pain only during heavy labor in 81% of cases; 95% of the patients rated the outcome as excellent or improved, but only 50% were free of symptoms on the operated side during heavy manual labor. Symptoms of ulnar impingement were found in 11%. Improvement in range of motion of wrist and forearm was significant. The postoperative DASH score was 24.2+/-22.5 and the Mayo wrist score was 76.1+/-17.6. Our results confirm the Sauve-Kapandji procedure to be a reliable salvage procedure resulting in high patient satisfaction and reliable improvement in range of motion. However, decreased grip strength on the affected side must be accepted to some extent. The diagnosis of a DRUJ disorder influences the outcome.