Failed distal ulna resections

Twenty patients with complaints of pain and limitation of activities for more than 1 year after ulnar head resection (Darrach) were studied. Their ages ranged from 18 to 60 years (mean, 38 years). The initial indications for operation were posttraumatic derangement in 18 patients, radial growth anomaly in 1, and a lesion of the ulna in 1. Follow-up ranged from 29 to 135 months (mean, 61 months). The patients had an average of 2.2 additional operations, with up to seven procedures per patient. Radiographs were compared with those from an equal number of successful Darrach resections chosen randomly, and no significant differences were noted. All 20 patients continue to have difficulties despite several years of treatment. The Darrach resection can result in serious disability, especially in the younger patient and the patient with lax ligaments. Reoperation on these patients is rarely successful.