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J Wrist Surg 2013; 02(01): 027-032
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1333464
Special Focus Section: Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ulnar Head Replacement and Related Biomechanics

Michael Sauerbier
1   Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Main-Taunus-Hospitals GmbH, Cooperation Hospital of the University Hospital Frankfurt, Academic Hospital of the University of Frankfurt am Main, Bad Soden am Taunus, Germany
,
Annika Arsalan-Werner
1   Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Main-Taunus-Hospitals GmbH, Cooperation Hospital of the University Hospital Frankfurt, Academic Hospital of the University of Frankfurt am Main, Bad Soden am Taunus, Germany
,
Elena Enderle
2   Departement for Orthopedic Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
,
Miriam Vetter
3   Medical Approval Departement, Karlsruhe, Germany
,
Daniel Vonier
1   Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Main-Taunus-Hospitals GmbH, Cooperation Hospital of the University Hospital Frankfurt, Academic Hospital of the University of Frankfurt am Main, Bad Soden am Taunus, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 February 2013 (online)

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Abstract

A stable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is mandatory for the function and load transmission in the wrist and forearm. Resectional salvage procedures such as the Darrach procedure, Bowers arthroplasty, and Sauvé-Kapandji procedure include the potential risk of radioulnar instability and impingement, which can lead to pain and weakness. Soft tissue stabilizing techniques have only limited success rates in solving these problems. In an attempt to stabilize the distal forearm mechanically following ulnar head resection, various endoprostheses have been developed to replace the ulnar head. The prostheses can be used for secondary treatment of failed ulnar head resection, but they can also achieve good results in the primary treatment of osteoarthritis of the DRUJ. Our experience consists of twenty-five patients (follow-up 30 months) with DRUJ osteoarthritis who were treated with an ulnar head prosthesis, with improvement in pain, range of motion, and grip strength. An ulnar head prosthesis should be considered as a treatment option for a painful DRUJ.

Keywords

distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) - osteoarthritis - arthroplasty - ulnar head resection - ulnar head prosthesis
 

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