Radio-Lunate Arthrodesis for Distal Radial Intraarticular Malunion
Eleven cases of symptomatic distal radial intraarticular malunion were treated by radio-lunate arthrodesis from 1983 to 1991. The mean age was 35.3 years. There were 11 men, all manual workers. The mechanism was usually a high velocity injury. The time elapsed since injury was a mean 23 months (2–109 months). The range of motion was, on average, flexion 39°, extension 27°, radial deviation 10° and ulnar deviation 20°. Pain was present on light work and grip strength was 45% of the opposite side. The average step-off was 4.4 mm. The scapho-lunate gap was greater than 3 mm in three cases and 5 mm in one case. An ulnar translation of the carpus greater than 4 mm was present in four cases. Posterior subluxation was significant in three cases. The distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) was totally destroyed in three cases, and incongruent in five. Radio-lunate arthrodesis is performed by a posterior approach. Other procedures were combined, mainly on the DRUJ. The average follow-up was 28.5 months (8–79 months). Healing was achieved in ten out of 11 cases in 45 to 90 days. Pain was absent or moderate after 4 months. The range of motion was 33° in flexion, 39° in extension, 17° in radial deviation and 29° in ulnar deviation. The average post-operative strength was 57% of the opposite side (19 kg/33). Eight patients returned to their previous work and two to lighter work.