Results of sauve-kapandji procedure in treatment of posttraumatic derangement of the distal radioulnar joint

The Sauve-Kapandji procedure has been advocated as a method of treating derangement of the distal radioulnar joint [DRUJ]; especially post-traumatic problems. This work included 13 patients with post-traumatic DRUJ disorders who were treated with Sauve-Kapandji procedure. Eleven patients were available for review after an average follow up period of 31.7 months. The average age at the time of operation was 33.6 years. A Mayo wrist score was used for pre- and post-operative clinical assessment; especially pain, rotation of forearm, and complications. At the end of follow up, the functional results were excellent in six cases, good in three, fair in one and poor in one. All cases except one returned forearm rotation to within 8 degrees of the un-injured side. Nine patients had no pain; while two had moderate or severe pain on heavy work. One patient had instability of the ulnar stump. Sauve-Kapandji procedure is a good operation in posttraumatic derangement of the DRUJ and a reliable technique for restoration of range of motion and amelioration of pain with few complications