Results of Sauve-Kapandji Procedure

CK Low, WYC Chew
Correspondence: Dr C K Low, chee_kwang_low@notes.ttsh.gov.sg

ABSTRACT
Introduction Sauve-Kapandji procedure is used to treat distal radioulnar joint disorder.
Materials and Method Sixteen patients with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) disease treated with Sauve-Kapandji procedure between 1996 and 1998 were available for review at an average follow up period of 32.8 months,ranging from 24 to 48 months. The patients were young and the average age at the time of procedure was 33.6 years. There were eight cases of post-traumatic DRUJ arthritis, two cases of dislocation of DRUJ with malunion of radial fractures and six cases of rheumatoid patients with destruction of DRUJ. The distal end of ulnar shaft was stabilised with a sling created using radial 1/2 slip of extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon. Functional results were evaluated with Mayo wrist score.
Results Fusion of DRUJ was achieved in all cases by two months. Excellent results were achieved in eight cases, good in six, fair in one and poor in one. All except one case gained increase range of forearm rotation. Complications included one case of closure of pseudoarthrosis and required excision of the ulna head to restore forearm rotation.
Conclusion Sauve-Kapandji procedure is recommended in young patients with distal radioulnar joint disorder.

Keywords: DRUJ disease, DRUJ Fusion, Pseudoarthrosis, ECU sling, Mayo Wrist Score
Singapore Med J 2002; 43(3): 135-137