THE SAUVE-KAPANDJI PROCEDURE FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE DISTAL RADIOULNAR JOINT

The Sauve-Kapandji procedure has been performed in 15 patients with pr imary and secondary osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint. The average age of the patients was 45 years (range, 31-63 years). There were 12 men and 3 women. The follow-up period averaged 2 years and 11 months. Postoperative pain relief was good in all wrists. The preopera tive range of motion of the wrist joint averaged 50 degrees extension and 44 degrees flexion. Forearm motion averaged 66 degrees pronation a nd 64 degrees supination. Postoperatively, the range of motion improve d to 55 degrees extension and 51 degrees flexion at the wrist and fore arm motion improved to 78 degrees pronation and 82 degrees supination. Although all wrists also showed an increased grip strength and improv ed range of motion over preoperative values, these did not have statis tical significance. Postoperative x-ray evaluation showed an unstable proximal stump and radioulnar convergence in 12 wrists. Our clinical a nd x-ray film findings suggest that the Sauve-Kapandji procedure is a satisfactory procedure for patients with osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint.