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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Preliminary experience with a new total distal radioulnar joint replacement
Timothy J Ewald1, Kshamata Skeete, Steven L Moran
1Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Journal of Wrist Surgery
|August 2, 2013
Summary
This study shows that total distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) replacement using the STABILITY Sigmoid Notch prosthesis effectively reduced pain and restored motion in four patients. The procedure demonstrated 100% implant survival and high patient satisfaction, offering a viable alternative for DRUJ arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis can result from trauma, failed previous surgeries like hemiarthroplasty or Sauvé-Kapandji procedures.
- Current treatment options may not fully restore function or alleviate pain, necessitating alternative solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intermediate-term outcomes of the STABILITY Sigmoid Notch Total DRUJ System for DRUJ joint replacement.
- To assess pain reduction, range of motion, grip strength, and patient satisfaction after DRUJ arthroplasty.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of four patients who underwent DRUJ replacement with the STABILITY Sigmoid Notch Total DRUJ System (2003-2008).
- Inclusion criteria: >24 months follow-up and senior author hand examination.
- Pre- and postoperative assessments included range of motion, grip strength, visual analog pain scale, patient satisfaction, and radiographs.
Main Results:
- All four patients experienced successful DRUJ replacement with 100% implant survival.
- Mean pronation improved to 80°, mean supination to 64°, and grip strength increased to 73% of the contralateral side.
- Visual analog pain scale decreased from 8 to 2.5, with 100% patient satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Total DRUJ joint replacement with sigmoid notch resurfacing is a promising alternative to ulnar head resection for DRUJ arthritis.
- This arthroplasty technique can decrease pain and restore DRUJ stability and motion after severe trauma or failed procedures.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is needed to confirm these encouraging initial findings.

