Abstract
Introduction Distal radioulnar arthropathy causes significant functional limitation due to pain
and loss of strength during forearm pronation. Our paper aimed to describe the surgical
technique of the arthroscopic Sauvé-Kapandji (S-K) procedure with proximal tendon
stabilization, its outcomes, complications, and advantages.
Methods This study retrospectively evaluated 11 patients. All underwent the S-K arthroscopic
technique with proximal tendon stabilization performed by the same surgical team.
The study assessed mobility, grip strength, Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand
(DASH), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS).
Results The patients included ten males and one female, with a mean age of 39.1 years. The
minimum follow-up was 12 (range, 12 to 36) months. Significant improvements were observed
in flexion (preoperative, 48°/postoperative, 74°), extension (preoperative, 34°/postoperative,
48°), pronation (preoperative, 28°/postoperative, 88°), supination (preoperative,
19°/postoperative, 88°), VAS for pain (preoperative, 7.1/postoperative, 0.4), grip
strength (preoperative, 19/postoperative, 45 kg), Quick DASH (preoperative, 54/postoperative,
2) and MWS (preoperative, 46/postoperative 91) scores. All patients were satisfied
with the procedure at the end of the follow-up.
Discussion The S-K procedure is the gold standard technique in distal radioulnar osteoarthritis.
It may be performed with arthroscopic assistance to restore wrist mobility, stability,
and grip strength. Arthroscopy has several advantages, including preserving secondary
joint stabilizers, improving joint cruentation and anatomical placement, reducing
vascular damage, and allowing earlier rehabilitation, resulting in a lower incidence
of pseudarthrosis and a better aesthetic scar.
Conclusion The S-K arthroscopic technique with proximal tendon stabilization offers better outcomes
than open techniques in the short term, with a faster and more comfortable functional
recovery and allowing a more precise resection and reduction.
Keywords
Sauvé-Kapandji - arthroscopy - proximal stabilisation
