Resurfacing the distal radioulnar joint with rib perichondrium-a novel method.

Background Osteoarthritis in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is a challenging condition with few really reliable surgical options, particularly in young individuals. Traditional methods as hemiresection, the Darrach procedure, and the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure have less favorable results in the nonrheumatoid patient. The results after implant arthroplasty have improved, but long-term results are yet to be presented before implant arthroplasty can be recommended to young individuals with osteoarthritis in the DRUJ. An alternative method to treat osteoarthritic joints is surface replacement with free costal perichondrium. The technique has been used since the 1970s for other joints. Case Description We adapted the method and used it in two female patients (37 and 38 years old) with nontraumatic osteoarthritis in the DRUJ. Both patients had severe pain and were unable to work. The eroded joint surfaces were resected down to bleeding subchondral cortex. Perichondrium from the seventh rib was osteo-sutured and glued to the ulnar head and the sigmoid notch. Results The maximum follow-up-time in this retrospective review is 25 months. Our short-term results are encouraging in terms of pain relief, motion, grip strength, and return to work. The first patient had an excellent result and was completely normalized. The second patient has improved significantly and experiences only slight pain on heavy lifting and rotational load. Clinical Relevance Free costal perichondrium may be a useful alternative for treating osteoarthritis in the DRUJ, especially in young individuals. The option for a later implant arthroplasty is preserved because most of the anatomy of the joint and all the soft tissue stabilizers are intact. Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV, Case series.