Clinical, radiological and patient-rated outcome comparison between total and partial ulnar head implants

2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110484
Author(s):  
Lea Estermann ◽  
Lisa Reissner ◽  
Andrea B. Rosskopf ◽  
Andreas Schweizer ◽  
Ladislav Nagy

This study aimed to analyse the clinical and radiological outcomes after ulnar head replacement and to compare partial and total ulnar head implants. Twenty-two patients with 23 implants were available with a mean follow-up time of 7 years (range 1.3 to 17) after distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty. At the final follow-up, patients had a low level of pain at rest and during effort, a median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score of 12 and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score of 12 with partial ulnar head implants, and scores of 20 and 22 in total ulnar head implants, respectively. While the range of motion in patients with partial ulnar head implants was slightly reduced in comparison with the preoperative condition and to the patients with total ulnar head implants, there was a tendency to a higher grip strength and rotational torque. Both types of prosthesis showed sigmoid notch resorptions and resorptions around the neck. We conclude that the results after partial ulnar head replacement do not significantly differ from the total ulnar head implants in many aspects. Level of evidence: III

2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110636
Author(s):  
Delphine Lambrecht ◽  
Wim Vanhove ◽  
Nadine Hollevoet

We report the results of the treatment of disorders of the distal radioulnar joint with the semi-constrained Aptis prosthesis. Nineteen patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 7 years. All patients had been operated on previously at the wrist, forearm or elbow. The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score had a mean value of 40, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score had a mean of 49 and the visual analogue scale for pain had a mean of 3.9. The mean ranges of pronation, supination, wrist flexion and wrist extension were 78°, 76°, 60° and 51°, respectively. The mean grip strength was 23 kg. Complications were noted in ten patients. Eighteen patients would undergo the operation again. The 10-year cumulative survival rate was 84%. The Aptis prosthesis may be a solution to treat patients in whom previous surgery at the distal radioulnar joint has failed. Level of evidence: IV


2020 ◽  
Vol 09 (05) ◽  
pp. 411-416
Author(s):  
Robert Gvozdenovic ◽  
Michel Boeckstyns ◽  
Søren Merser

Abstract Purpose Various implants have been described for ulnar head replacement (UHR) or for total replacement of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Many series are small and few reports on mid- or long-term results. This study is primarily aimed to report on the midterm results after ulnar head only and total DRUJ replacement using the uHead in the treatment of painful disorders of the DRUJ. The secondary aim of the study was to eventually assess the combination of UHR and total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). Materials and Methods We included 20 consecutive patients in whom an UHR with the uHead was performed at our institution between February 2005 and March 2017. There were 6 men and 14 women with mean age of 59 years (range: 36–80 years). The mean follow-up time was 5 years (range: 2–15 years). Data were recorded prospectively before operation and at follow-up examinations and entered in a registry. The patients were followed-up at 3 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and thereafter annually. In five cases, the uHead was implanted simultaneously with a Remotion TWA. In four cases, a Remotion TWA had been implanted previously. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probability of remaining free of revision. A nonparametric Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used for comparing data not normally distributed (qDASH [quick disabilities of the hand, shoulder, and arm] scores), and the paired parametric Student's t-test was used for normally distributed data (pain and visual analogue scale [VAS] scores, range of motion, and grip strength). Significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results Pain, grip strength, and the function improved significantly. Pain after surgery decreased with 50 points on the VAS score scale of 100, from 66 (mean), preoperatively (range: 16–97) to 16 (mean; range: 0–51), postoperatively, while grip strength nearly doubled from 12 KgF (mean; range: 4–22), before to 21 KgF (mean; range: 6–36), after the surgery. Patients function measured with qDASH scores improved from 56 (mean; range: 36–75), preoperatively to 19 (mean; range: 4–47), postoperatively. Wrist extension, flexion, and ulnar and radial deviation did not change to a clinically or statistically significant extend, neither did supination nor pronation improved after surgery. While three UHRs were revised early because of pain problems and/or unsatisfactory forearm rotation in two cases and infection in one, 17 had an uncomplicated postoperative course and these patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery at all the follow-ups. Due to limited number of cases, the calculation of significance in comparing combined cases with UHR only cases was abandoned. Conclusion Ulnar head arthroplasty (uHead) showed significant improvement in pain, grip strength, and the function of the patients with a painful disability of the DRUJ, without impairment on mobility on the midterm follow-up. The overall implant survival over the time and the complication rate was acceptable.


Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472096672
Author(s):  
Nicholas Munaretto ◽  
William Aibinder ◽  
Steven Moran ◽  
Marco Rizzo

Introduction Dysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can be significantly debilitating. The Sauve-Kapandji (S-K) procedure can be indicated to address multiple etiologies of DRUJ dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to review our institution’s results performing the S-K procedure for DRUJ dysfunction in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes, as well as complications and reoperations. Methods A retrospective review of S-K procedures performed at 2 institutions between 1998 and 2017 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was performed. Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain, grip strength, and wrist range of motion were reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed for DRUJ healing, carpal translation, and radiocarpal degenerative changes. Results The cohort included 35 patients. The mean age was 51 years. The mean follow-up was 49.5 months. The postoperative range of motion was unchanged in regard to pronation, supination, and wrist extension. There was a decrease in wrist flexion from 43 degrees to 34 degrees. Successful union was noted in 100% of the wrists. There was 1 case (2.8%) of progressive ulnar translation and 4 major complications (11.3%). Conclusion The S-K procedure has several theoretical benefits compared to other procedures for DRUJ dysfunction with results of this study demonstrating excellent pain relief, improved postoperative grip strength, retained wrist pronation, supination, and extension, high rate of successful arthrodesis and low rate of major complications. Level of Evidence Level IV


2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110241
Author(s):  
I-Ning Lo ◽  
Kuan-Jung Chen ◽  
Tung-Fu Huang ◽  
Yi-Chao Huang

We describe an arthroscopic rein-type capsular suture that approximates the triangular fibrocartilage complex to the anatomical footprint, and report the results at a minimum 12 month follow-up. The procedure involves two 3-0 polydioxanone horizontal mattress sutures inserted 1.5 cm proximal to the 6-R and 6-U portals to obtain purchase on the dorsal and anterior radioulnar ligaments, respectively. The two sutures work as a rein to approximate the triangular fibrocartilage complex to the fovea. Ninety patients with Type IB triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries were included retrospectively. The 12-month postoperative Modified Mayo Wrist scores, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores and visual analogue scale for pain showed significant improvements on preoperative values. Postoperative range of wrist motion, grip strength and ultrasound assessment of the distal radioulnar joint stability were comparable with the normal wrist. The patients had high satisfaction scores for surgery. There were minor complications of knot irritation. No revision surgery for distal radioulnar joint instability was required. It is an effective and technically simple procedure that provides a foveal footprint contact for the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Level of evidence: IV


2020 ◽  
Vol 09 (03) ◽  
pp. 256-262
Author(s):  
Gwénolé Kermarrec ◽  
Gilles Cohen ◽  
Peter Upex ◽  
Didier Fontes

Abstract Background Foveal attachment of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) is essential for distal radioulnar joint stability. Controversy still exists as to which is the best treatment in case of foveal lesions. Actual arthroscopic techniques either require mini open steps or are complex and expensive. We present a simple all inside knotless repair, providing a strong bony fixation in the fovea. Materials and Methods Through 3–4 and 6R portals, the ulnar fovea is debrided and a wire is passed percutaneously through the TFCC to place a mattress suture at its free end. It is then reattached to the fovea with an impacted anchor. Retrospective Study Between 2013 and 2016, a cohort of 5 patients presenting with isolated Palmer 1B, EWAS 2 lesions of the TFCC were operated on with this technique. Clinical evaluation was based on a compared measurement of the grip strength, pain on a visual analogic scale (VAS), different ranges of motion, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability. We also used functional scores: Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS), Quick disability arm, shoulder and hand (DASH), and patient-related wrist evaluation (PRWE). The average follow-up was 29.4 months (range 9–42 months). Results On postoperative evaluation, pain was reduced by 5 points (range 1–9) and grip strength averaged 94% of the unaffected side. Range of motion averaged 92% on the unaffected side. DRUJ instability was slight in 4 patients and mild in 1 patient. MMWS was excellent for 1, good for 1, and satisfactory for 3 patients. Quick Dash averaged 17.68 (range 0–38.6) compared with preoperative average of 59.48 (range 45–77) with an amelioration of 43 (range 34–57).PRWE averaged 20 (range 1–41.5) compared with preoperative average of 60.3 (range 33.5–76.5) with an amelioration of 41 (range 32–58). We reported no complications and particularly no lesions of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve. Conclusions We present a simple arthroscopic technique using a single suture anchor placed in the ulnar fovea. Repairs performed with this technique are simple and the results achieved seem to be similar to those obtained with conventional open or arthroscopic techniques, although further investigation with an increased number of patients and follow-up are required. It however became our first choice of treatment in European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) 2 lesions of the TFCC.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (01n02) ◽  
pp. 15-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. N. Srikanth ◽  
S. A. Shahane ◽  
J. H. Stilwell

The pain of distal radioulnar arthrosis in rheumatoid patients is often due to disease largely confined to the radioulnar rather than the ulnocarpal articulation. This is a retrospective study of 14 patients (14 wrists) who underwent selective shaving of the radial articulation of the ulnar head leaving the ulnocarpal articulation intact. The ulnar head is reduced to the circumference of its shaft and a dorsal retinacular flap is interposed between it and the distal radius. Average age of the patients and follow-up were 63.5 years and 31 months, respectively. All patients had rheumatoid arthritis. Pain improved in 14 out of 15 wrists. Overall results were 67% good to excellent and 33% fair based on the modified Mayo's wrist score. This novel procedure for DRUJ arthrosis produces predictable pain relief in low demand rheumatoid patient.


Author(s):  
Jaak Warlop ◽  
Maarten Van Nuffel ◽  
Luc De Smet ◽  
Ilse Degreef

Abstract Background A painful unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can seriously compromise hand and wrist function. The semiconstrained prosthesis was developed to restore DRUJ function. To date, most outcome reports are coauthored by the designer. Questions Does independent reporting confirm the promising results of the semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis? Are complication and failure rates acceptable? Patients and Methods We evaluated patients with the semiconstrained DRUJ implant and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. We monitored patient satisfaction and function with functionality questionnaires and measured wrist range of motion, grip, and key pinch strength. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, linear and logistic regression. Results We included 41 patients with 42 implants. Mean follow-up was 46 months (range: 24–102 months). Eighty percent of wrist had undergone previous surgery. We found a mean pronation of 83 degrees (0–90 degrees), supination of 70 degrees (0–90 degrees), flexion of 42 degrees (0–90 degrees), extension of 49 degrees (0–90 degrees), ulnar deviation of 24 degrees (0–60 degrees), and radial deviation of 14 degrees (0–40 degrees). Grip and key pinch strength were 20.1 (1–50 kg) and 6 kg (1–12 kg), respectively. Average patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation score was 42.7 (0–95), disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 38 (0–88), and visual analog scale score was 3.6 (0–8). We found a 43% complication rate (mostly minor: ulnar or radial tendinopathy, temporary hypoesthesia) with 24% reoperation and 92% prosthesis survival rate. Conclusion The linked semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis has its value in the surgical treatment of DRUJ failure. Currently, most implants are used in secondary surgery and multioperated wrists. More research is required to assess the value of the DRUJ prosthesis as a primary procedure. Level of evidence This is a level IV, therapeutic study.


2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. SCHEKER ◽  
A. SEVERO

This prospective study describes the outcome of ulnar shortening performed on 32 wrists with early osteoarthritis of the distal radiounlar joint (DRUJ) in an attempt to change the contact area between the ulnar head and the radial sigmoid notch. By changing the contact area, we attempted to relieve pain, while maintaining the function of the DRUJ. The mean age of the patients was 34 years, and the mean follow-up was three years and two months. The wrists were graded by the patients’ self-assessment of satisfaction and by a clinical wrist rating that assessed pain, functional status, range of motion, and grip strength. In terms of self-assessment, 16/32 patients were very satisfied, with complete pain relief. Of the 32 patients, 26 said that they would have surgery again if circumstances were similar. The postoperative wrist ratings were 7/32 excellent, 11/32 good, 9/32 fair, 5/32 poor. The most frequent postoperative complaint was plate irritation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 427-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Warwick ◽  
G Shyamalan ◽  
E Balabanidou

Introduction The aim of this study was to explore the indications and show the early to mid-term results of ulnar head replacement for the treatment of pathological conditions of the distal radioulnar joint. Methods Our study group comprised 52 patients with a mean age of 64 years who had 56 ulnar head replacements. Seven were implanted to salvage an unstable deletive procedure; the rest were for primary treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. Concomitant procedures along with the ulnar head replacement included wrist arthrodesis, joint replacement and tendon transfers. Results The follow-up duration ranged from 1 year to 11 years (mean: 60 months, median: 60 months). In almost all of the patients, pain improved with a median visual analogue scale score of 2 (mean: 2.2, range: 0–8) and a median DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score of 12.5 (mean: 17.9, range: 0–56). Of the 52 patients, 47 reported they would have the same procedure again. Conclusions Ulnar head replacement appears to be a reliable and effective procedure solving several pathological problems of the distal radioulnar joint. We present a large patient group with a short to medium-term follow-up duration.


2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 739-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kakar ◽  
T. Fox ◽  
E. Wagner ◽  
R. Berger

Painful radioulnar convergence following resection of the distal ulna can produce substantial disability and prove a challenging surgical problem, particularly in the revision setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a series of patients with chronic distal radioulnar joint instability or multiple prior procedures treated with linked distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty with the APTIS prosthesis. A series of ten patients were identified with a mean follow up of 4.0 years. At final follow-up nine of ten implants survived free from revision or removal, with patients experiencing good pain relief and functional outcomes, with reasonable overall satisfaction in all seven patients who returned the questionnaires. Despite the medium-term follow-up and small number of patients, our results suggest the linked distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty may be a viable option for treating painful radioulnar convergence following multiple failed procedures at the distal radioulnar joint.


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