Functional Outcomes After Sauve-Kapandji Arthrodesis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand and wrist surgery
• Reconstructive surgery

Background:

• The Sauve-Kapandji (SK) procedure addresses distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and arthritis.
• Limited data exist on the functional outcomes following the SK procedure.
• This study aims to evaluate patient-reported outcomes after SK surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the functional outcomes of the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for DRUJ salvage.
• To analyze patient-reported outcomes using the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scale.
• To compare preoperative and postoperative functional and radiographic measurements.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 57 patients undergoing SK procedure between 2008 and 2018.
• Collected data on range of motion, QuickDASH scores, and radiographic measurements.
• Performed preoperative and postoperative statistical analyses.

Main Results:

• QuickDASH scores improved significantly from 52 to 28 within the first year post-surgery.
• Supination improved significantly from 48° to 74°, while other motions remained stable.
• Radiographic improvements included decreased ulnar variance and translation index; 21% complication rate observed.

Conclusions:

• The Sauve-Kapandji procedure leads to significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes and supination at one year.
• Functional gains were consistent across patients with osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis.
• SK is an effective salvage procedure for DRUJ pathology, with manageable complication rates.