The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for posttraumatic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint

The authors report their experience with the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for the management of posttraumatic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint in 20 patients. The mean age was 39 years (range, 19 to 62 years), the mean duration of follow-up was 76 months (range, 60-97 months) and the mean time interval between initial injury and the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure was 24 months (range, 6-120 months). Postoperatively all patients experienced relief of pain. Rotation of the forearm increased to near normal values. The patients scored an average of 77 points on the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (range, 65-95 points). Three patients had an excellent result, six had a good result, seven had a fair result and one had a poor result. There were no major complications. Fifteen of seventeen employed patients had returned to work. Eighteen of nineteen patients were very satisfied or satisfied by the result of surgery. The procedure performed satisfactorily in addressing posttraumatic problems of the distal radioulnar joint, but must still be considered a salvage procedure.     

Modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for the distal radioulnar joint disorders of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Background

The Sauvé-Kapandji (SK) procedure is one of several surgical options in the treatment of distal radioulnar disorders by osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While satisfactory postoperative clinical results were obtained in most cases, instability of the proximal ulnar stump and radioulnar convergence are the most common complications. Minami et al. have developed a modification of the SK procedure that maintains the transverse diameter of the distal radioulnar joint and stabilizes the proximal ulnar stump, using a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon. In this study, the modified SK procedure was performed on 83 patients with distal radioulnar disorders, due to OA and RA.

Modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for disorders of the distal radioulnar joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND: The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure has become popular for the treatment of disorders of the distal radioulnar joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but this procedure is impossible to perform in patients with poor bone quality in the distal part of the ulna. We have modified the procedure for patients with poor bone quality in the distal part of the ulna. The modified procedure involves resecting the distal part of the ulna, making a drill-hole in the ulnar cortex of the distal part of the radius, rotating the resected portion of the ulna 90 degrees , inserting it into the distal part of the radius, and fixing it at that site with use of an AO cancellous-bone screw. In the present report, we describe the new operative technique and report the results after a minimum duration of follow-up of three years. METHODS: This operation was performed in fifty-six patients (sixty-six wrists) with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age at the time of the operation was 59.3 years. The mean duration of follow-up was forty-eight months. Patients were evaluated in terms of wrist pain, grip strength, and range of motion. Radiographic evaluation included calculation of the carpal translation index to assess the extent of ulnar translation of the carpus. RESULTS: Osseous union was achieved in all cases. Wrist pain resolved or decreased in all patients. The mean total range of forearm rotation increased from 144 degrees preoperatively to 167 degrees at the time of the most recent follow-up (p < 0.01). The mean carpal translation index did not change after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure results in rigid fixation of the grafted bone. The technique provides sufficient osseous support of the carpus even in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and poor bone quality in the distal part of the ulna.     

Symptoms and radiographic findings in the proximal and distal ulnar stumps after the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treatment of chronic derangement of the distal radioulnar joint

PURPOSE: We analyzed correlations between symptoms and radiographic findings with respect to the proximal and distal ulnar stumps after the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treating chronic derangement of the distal radioulnar joint. METHODS: A total of 26 patients were studied (13 men, 13 women) with a mean age of 46 years at examination. Clinical assessment included elicitation of postoperative symptoms related to the proximal and distal ulnar stumps. In the radiographic study the radioulnar distance in the neutral wrist position and the presence or absence of scalloping at the radius were determined from posteroanterior (PA) views. The total mobility distance of the proximal ulnar stump was measured on the PA and lateral views while the wrist moved from radial to ulnar deviation or from extension to flexion. RESULTS: Eleven patients complained of tenderness over the distal ulnar stump and 5 patients felt discomfort around the proximal ulnar stump during forearm rotation. The postoperative radioulnar distance in patients with tenderness was significantly smaller than in the group without tenderness. Scalloping at the radius was shown in 9 patients but it was not related to the radioulnar distance. The total mobility distance of the proximal ulnar stump on the PA view was significantly greater in patients with tenderness than in those without, and it also was significantly greater in patients with scalloping than in those without. The total mobility distance on the lateral view was significantly greater in the group with discomfort than in the group without discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: The radioulnar distance was related to tenderness over the distal ulnar stump but not to the scalloping. Tenderness and scalloping each were related to radioulnar instability of the proximal ulnar stump. Discomfort around the proximal ulnar stump was related to dorsovolar instability of the stump. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level IV.     

Treatment of distal radioulnar joint disorders with a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure: long-term outcome with special attention to the DASH Questionnaire

Introduction An intact distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is essential for normal functioning of the upper limb. Osteoarthritis of the DRUJ often leads to ulnar wrist pain, limitation of forearm rotation and reduced grip strength, all of which limit activities of daily living. Once the joint is damaged, salvage procedures are recommended.Materials and methods Between 1986 and 1996 a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure was performed in 117 patients with painfully limited forearm rotation and osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Of the 117 patients, 73 women and 32 men, whose ages at operation ranged from 22 to 74 years (average 58 years), were retrospectively reviewed clinically and radiologically 8 years (range 5–12 years) after the operation. The DASH questionnaire was used with 53 patients, 43 patients were accepted for the study, and 10 were excluded.Results Forearm rotation improved in all patients, ulnar wrist pain was reduced in 97% of the patients, and 9% had mild pain at the proximal ulnar stump. Grip strength improved from a preoperative mean of 38% to a postoperative mean of 55% compared with the contralateral side. The mean DASH score was 28 points (range 0–53 points). In all cases the arthrodesis fused within 8 weeks. The radiographs showed approximation between the proximal ulna stump and the radius compared with the preoperative situation in 74% of the patients.Conclusion Our clinical and radiological findings suggest that the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is indicated in symptomatic, non-reconstructable disorders of the DRUJ. The DASH questionnaire provides a general view of the functional outcome after the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. The DASH questionnaire is very helpful in evaluating the effect of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure on the entire upper limb.     

The reverse Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for the treatment of (posttraumatic) proximal radioulnar synostosis

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - Proximal radioulnar synostosis is a rare but highly disabling posttraumatic complication in periarticular elbow injuries. Surgical...     

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for posttraumatic wrist disorders: further experience

A prospective survey was conducted to evaluate the outcome of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for posttraumatic wrist disorders. Eighty four patients were treated, all with posttraumatic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint, 73 as an isolated procedure, 11 in combination with another wrist procedure. There was significant pain decrease and high patient satisfaction (74%). The range of motion increased in the flexion/extension arc from 109 degrees to 124 degrees (p = 0.006) and, in those with limited forearm rotation, from 71 degrees to 134 degrees (p = 0.006). According to the Mayo Clinic wrist score, we obtained 20 excellent, 34 good, 18 fair and 12 poor results. Complications were rare.     

Nonunion of distal radius fracture and distal radioulnar joint injury: a modified Sauvé–Kapandji procedure with a cubitus proradius transposition as autograft

The Sauvé–Kapandji (SK) procedure is indicated in distal radius nonunion or malunion and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. It can also be used to treat the rheumatoid wrist with severe degenerative changes in the DRUJ. The main objective is to allow a pain-free range of movement. We present a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and distal radius nonunion who, after three operations, was treated with the SK procedure. The clinical and radiological results were excellent. A 53-year-old woman diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis fell on her forearm at home 2 years ago. Examination at an outpatient clinic revealed a distal radius fracture classified as type V according to the Frykman classification. She had been operated three times with open reduction internal fixation using a plate, screws, and bone allograft. She came to our institution with a distal radius nonunion, positive post-traumatic ulnar variance, and ulnar nerve paresis. The range of movements was 20°–10° flexion-extension and 40°–30° pronation–supination, and she needed daily fentanyl. We performed a modified SK procedure with an autologous iliac crest bone graft and ulnar bone graft from the osteotomy area (cubitus proradius), bone morphogenetic protein, and a low profile distal radius plate. After 1 year of follow-up, the distal radius fracture has healed and the wrist is pain-free with a complete range of movement in flexion-extension and pronation-supination. The main indication for the SK procedure is post-traumatic positive ulnar variance and associated ulnocarpal impaction. The cubitus proradius bone graft transposition is an interesting technical note that makes this case a challenge for skilled orthopedic hand surgeons.     

Modification of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure with extensor carpi ulnaris tenodesis

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is a useful treatment option for osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint. Recent reports of a painful unstable proximal ulnar stump prompted us to develop a method of stabilizing the proximal stump of the ulna during the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure by using a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris. Thirteen osteoarthritic wrists (8 primary and 5 traumatic) in 8 men and 5 women with an average age of 50 years were treated by this method. The length of the follow-up periods averaged 36 months. Pain improved in all patients after surgery but pain was elicited over 1 ulnar stump by direct pressure. Both pronation/supination and flexion/extension had statistically significant improvement with the exception of flexion. Grip strength improved in all wrists after surgery. Postoperative x-rays improved alignment in both coronal and lateral planes. Stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump associated with Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is a useful procedure to prevent an unstable ulnar stump in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint.     

Salvage of the unstable Sauvé-Kapandji procedure: a new technique

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure has been commonly performed in the setting of posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint. A recognized complication is instability of the proximal ulnar stump, which may occur in up to 33% of cases. Salvage of the failed Sauvé-Kapandji procedure in this setting is difficult and can sometimes involve sacrifice of forearm rotation. We report the results of 3 cases of a new salvage procedure in this setting. The radioulnar pseudarthrosis was taken down; ulnar continuity was restored with an intercalary graft; and forearm rotation was restored with matched hemiresection and interposition arthroplasty at the site of previous radioulnar fusion. Postoperatively, all patients achieved good forearm rotation (mean supination, 60 degrees; mean pronation, 65 degrees), had no symptoms of instability, and were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores improved from preoperative mean of 55 to postoperative mean of 18.     

Initial shortening and internal fixation in combination with a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for severely comminuted fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients

We identified 11 women with a mean age of 74 years (65 to 81) who sustained comminuted distal radial and ulnar fractures and were treated by volar plating and slight shortening of the radius combined with a primary Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. At a mean of 46 months (16 to 58), union of distal radial fractures and arthrodesis of the distal radioulnar joint was seen in all patients. The mean shortening of the radius was 12 mm (5 to 18) compared to the contralateral side. Flexion and extension of the wrist was a mean of 54° and 50°, respectively, and the mean pronation and supination of the forearm was 82° and 86°, respectively. The final mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 26 points. According to the Green and O'Brien rating system, eight patients had an excellent, two a good and one a fair result. The good clinical and radiological results, and the minor complications without the need for further operations related to late ulnar-sided wrist pain, justify this procedure in the elderly patient.     

Radiological and clinical study of the ulna's end instability after Sauvé-Kapandji procedure

The aim of the study was to analyse the ulnar proximal stump's behaviour after Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. The procedure was performed for post-traumatic disorders of the distal radio-ulnar joint. This is a retrospective study of 14 patients. The mean age of patients at the operation was 49 years. Most of them began immediate mobilisation into pronation and supination. After a 5 year follow-up period, the clinical examination was centred on the ulnar proximal stump. An original radiologic study was made with static and dynamic X-Ray. Seven patients indicated pain on the ulnar stump during pronosupination. A clunk on the ulnar side of the wrist was noticed by three patients and an instability of the ulnar stump was observed two times. Clinically, there were a sagittal instability in all patients and a frontal instability four times. The sagittal instability was confirmed by dynamic X-Ray on each occasion, but the frontal instability was never confirmed. Every patient had instability of the ulnar stump; however, it was well tolerated. In practice, 12 patients were satisfied or very satisfied (86%). Instability of the proximal ulnar stump remains a problem, because it occurs despite a strict technique.     

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure: indications and tips for surgical success

Arthrodesis is the most reliable and durable surgical procedure for the treatment of a joint disorder, with the main disadvantage of loss of motion of the fused joint. The distal radioulnar joint can be arthrodesed, while forearm pronation and supination are maintained or even improved by creating a pseudoarthrosis of the ulna just proximal to the arthrodesis. This is known as the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. This procedure is not void of possible complications, such as nonunion or delayed union of the arthrodesis, fibrous or osseous union at the pseudoarthrosis, and painful instability at the proximal ulna stump. All of these can be prevented if a careful surgical technique is used.     

Sprengel’s deformity of the shoulder joint treated by Woodward operation

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - Sprengel’s shoulder deformity is a rare condition that happens because of the abnormal termination of the caudal migration of the...     

Stabilization of the Proximal Ulnar Stump after the Darrach or Sauvé-Kapandji Procedure by Using the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon

The Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures are considered to be useful treatment options for distal radioulnar joint disorders. Postoperative instability of the proximal ulnar stump and radioulnar convergence, however, may cause further symptoms. From October 1999 to May 2002, a total of 19 wrists in 15 men and four women, with an average age of 48.3 years, were treated by stabilizing the proximal ulnar stump with a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon using modified Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures. The average follow-up period was 77 months (range, 62 to 91 months). No patient complained of symptoms due to instability of the proximal ulnar stump. Grip strength improved in all wrists after surgery. Postoperative X-rays, including loading X-rays, showed improved alignment in both coronal and lateral planes. We concluded that stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump with ECU tenodesis is an effective procedure for treating distal radioulnar joint disorder after the Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures.     

Volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures: use of an intra-operative ‘carpal shoot through’ view to identify dorsal compartment and distal radioulnar joint screw penetration

Introduction

We report our experience using a ‘carpal shoot through’ view of the distal radius to identify dorsal compartment screw penetration intra-operatively when performing volar plating of the distal radius.

Methods

A prospective study of 42 patients (mean age 56 years) with acute distal radius fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation was undertaken. Surgical fixation was performed using a volar locking plate in all patients. After plate application, inclined posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were taken followed by the carpal shoot through view.

Results

In six cases (14 %), the carpal shoot through view revealed dorsal screw protrusion, which was not detectable on standard PA and lateral views. In one case, a screw had penetrated the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), which was only apparent on the shoot through view. The overall screw exchange rate was 17 %.

Conclusions

Using the hand and carpus to minimise the contrast in X-ray penetration, the dorsal cortex of the distal radius may be imaged intra-operatively and dorsal compartment screw penetration detected in cases with significant multifragmentation when screw measurement is difficult. This view potentially reduces the risk of post-operative pain and extensor tendon injury and also provides excellent visualisation of the DRUJ.     

Stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump in the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure by using the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon: long-term follow-up studies

PURPOSE: The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is considered a useful treatment option for distal radioulnar disorders. Postoperative instability of the proximal ulnar stump and radioulnar convergence, however, may be symptomatic. We modified the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure by stabilizing the proximal ulnar stump with a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon. We previously reported on 13 patients with this procedure at an average follow-up period of 35 months; the patients had satisfactory clinical results and improved stability of the proximal ulnar stump as shown by x-ray examination. In this article we address the question of whether those clinical and radiographic results noted at an average follow-up period of 35 months after surgery were maintained at later follow-up examinations. METHODS: We re-examined 12 of the 13 original patients and compared their initial follow-up results with their current results after an average follow-up period of 95 months. RESULTS: The results of this series after 95 months of follow-up evaluation were similar to the results at 35 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented in this article suggest that the clinical radiographic results at the 35-month follow-up examination were maintained in the long-term 95-month follow-up evaluation despite the finding that the hole in the proximal ulnar stump had broken in 3 wrists at follow-up examination. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.