Sauve-Kapandji operation for disorders of the distal radioulnar joint after Colles' fracture: Good results in 12 patients followed for 1.5-4 years

Abstract

Controversies continue concerning the treatment of the posttraumatic caput ulna syndrome. We have treated 12 patients, mean age 42 (23-77) years, with arthrodesis ad modum Sauve-Kapandji of the distal articulation between the radius and ulna, combined with resection of the ulnar neck. Before the operation, all patients had persistent ulnar wrist pain and restricted pronation-supination movement. At follow-up, after a mean of 2 (1.5-4) years, 8 patients had an excellent outcome, 3 a good, and 1 patient had a fair outcome. 10 patients had no wrist pain. The average grip-score improved from 53% preoper-atively to 76% at the follow-up.