D Warwick1, G Shyamalan, E Balabanidou. 1. University Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. davidwarwick@handsurgery.co.uk.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the indications and show the early to mid-term results of ulnar head replacement for the treatment of pathological conditions of the distal radioulnar joint. METHODS: Our study group comprised 52 patients with a mean age of 64 years who had 56 ulnar head replacements. Seven were implanted to salvage an unstable deletive procedure; the rest were for primary treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. Concomitant procedures along with the ulnar head replacement included wrist arthrodesis, joint replacement and tendon transfers. RESULTS: The follow-up duration ranged from 1 year to 11 years (mean: 60 months, median: 60 months). In almost all of the patients, pain improved with a median visual analogue scale score of 2 (mean: 2.2, range: 0-8) and a median DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score of 12.5 (mean: 17.9, range: 0-56). Of the 52 patients, 47 reported they would have the same procedure again. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar head replacement appears to be a reliable and effective procedure solving several pathological problems of the distal radioulnar joint. We present a large patient group with a short to medium-term follow-up duration.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the indications and show the early to mid-term results of ulnar head replacement for the treatment of pathological conditions of the distal radioulnar joint. METHODS: Our study group comprised 52 patients with a mean age of 64 years who had 56 ulnar head replacements. Seven were implanted to salvage an unstable deletive procedure; the rest were for primary treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. Concomitant procedures along with the ulnar head replacement included wrist arthrodesis, joint replacement and tendon transfers. RESULTS: The follow-up duration ranged from 1 year to 11 years (mean: 60 months, median: 60 months). In almost all of the patients, pain improved with a median visual analogue scale score of 2 (mean: 2.2, range: 0-8) and a median DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score of 12.5 (mean: 17.9, range: 0-56). Of the 52 patients, 47 reported they would have the same procedure again. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar head replacement appears to be a reliable and effective procedure solving several pathological problems of the distal radioulnar joint. We present a large patient group with a short to medium-term follow-up duration.
Authors: Hassan Shaaban; Giannis Giakas; Mike Bolton; Robert Williams; Louis R Scheker; Vivien C Lees Journal: J Hand Surg Am Date: 2004-01 Impact factor: 2.230
Authors: Shunji Masaoka; Serene H Longsworth; Frederick W Werner; Walter H Short; Jason K Green Journal: J Hand Surg Am Date: 2002-09 Impact factor: 2.230