Synovectomy combined with the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for the rheumatoid wrist

The aim of synovectomy-stabilization (synovectomy combined with the Sauve-K apandji procedure) of the rheumatoid wrist is to obtain a stable painless w rist, retaining enough mobility for function. Thirty-nine wrists mere retro spectively examined, at a mean follow up of 64.8 months. The improvement in pain was very significant, We noticed a decrease in wrist motion affecting both flexion and radial deviation. The arthritic change in the wrist conti nued to increase. We noticed a mean ulnar shift of 2.2 mm and a mean increa se in the radial deviation of the wrist of 7 degrees. Only transfer of the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon to the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon was effective in correcting radial deviation of the carpus. Ninety- seven per cent of patients were very satisfied or satisfied. These encourag ing results, even at advanced stages of wrist arthritis, have prompted us t o lessen the indications for wrist arthrodesis.