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The Sauve-Kapandji procedure for post-traumatic disorders of the distal radio-ulnar joint

Wansbeck General Hospital, Woodhorn Lane, Ashington, Northumberland NE63 9JJ, UK.

P. R. Stuart, FRCS, Consultant Hand and Upper Limb Surgeon

Freeman Hospital, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK.

Correspondence should be sent to Mr P. R. Stuart.

We present the results of a retrospective series of 41 Sauve-Kapandji procedures carried out for complications of fractures of the distal radius. All the operations were undertaken by one surgeon with a mean follow-up of 32 months. A total of 37 patients was available for clinical review.

The indications for surgery were pain on the ulnar side of the wrist and decreased rotation of the forearm. Intraperiosteal and extraperiosteal techniques were used for resection of the ulna, with no difference in outcome. Patients were assessed for pain, rotation of the forearm and complications. A Mayo Modified Wrist Score was used.

Pain was improved in 25 of the 37 patients, and unchanged in ten. Rotation of the forearm returned to within 7° of the uninjured side. The results are discussed in relation to the presence of preoperative malunion of the distal radius, age and the functional outcome. Age is not a contraindication for this procedure.