Comparative results of resection of the distal ulna in rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic conditions.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the results of resection of the distal ulna differed depending upon the underlying aetiology of the condition. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were compared with patients with post-traumatic wrist complaints. Fifty resections in 40 patients (eight male, 32 female) were assessed with respect to pain, range of motion, and grip strength. Of the 23 rheumatoid wrists, 86% were pain-free following surgery; however, only 36% of the patients in the trauma group reported pain relief postoperatively. Pain relief in post-traumatic patients was more predictable when distal radioulnar joint arthrosis was identified as the sole cause of wrist pain.