Functional outcomes after arthroplasty of the distal radioulnar joint and hand therapy: a case series

The purpose was to present a therapy protocol for use after implantation of an ulnar head endoprosthesis and to describe the functional outcomes after hand therapy. This is a retrospective review of a series of eight patients treated with a specified therapy protocol after ulnar head resection and implant arthroplasty. Marked improvements in pain and function were reported, though some pain with exertion remained. Two patients were on worker's compensation and both have returned to their premorbid work status. Functional use of the extremity was achieved by two to six weeks, with a mean of four weeks. Maximum medical improvement with good-to-excellent early results was achieved in all patients by 16 weeks. It is our experience that with this directed therapy protocol patients undergoing this procedure experience rapid recovery and an ability to return to activities of daily living in a timely manner. This paper provides a baseline protocol and rationale for use with patients who have undergone surgery with an ulnar head endoprosthesis.