Outcomes of Sauve-Kapandji Procedure for the Management of Post-Traumatic Disorders of the Distal Radioulnar Joint

Several procedures have been described for the management of post-traumatic disorders of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Amongst them, Sauve-Kapandji (SK) procedure has shown promising results; yet, it is not infallible. Here, we evaluated the radiologic and clinical outcomes of the SK procedure in eight patients with post-traumatic disorders of DRJU.

In a retrospective study, patients with post-traumatic derangement of the DRUJ that underwent the SK procedure were included. The radiologic outcomes were evaluated using the assessment of union, ulnar variation, and radial deviation. The forearm range of motion and Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS) were used for the clinical evaluation of the outcomes. The grip strength of the injured hand was compared with the grip strength of contralateral hand.

The mean extension, flexion, supination, and pronation of the patients were 67.5°, 65°, 77.5°, and 78.1°, respectively. The mean ulnar and radial deviations were 20.6° and 17.5°, respectively. The mean grip strength was 45.6 ± 14.1 Ib for the injured hand and 75.4 ± 30 Ib for the non-injured hand (P = 0.012). The mean MMWS was 83.8 ± 5.2. Based on the MMWS, the functional outcome was categorized as excellent in two patients, good in five patients, and fair in one patient. At the last follow-up, radiologic union was observed in all the patients but one. No other complications were recorded.

The SK procedure could result in acceptable radiologic and functional outcomes for the management of post-traumatic DRUJ problems. However, it might compromise some indices of the forearm such as grip strength