A comparative study of the modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrist with and without stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump

Darrach vs. Sauve-Kapandji: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Surgical Outcomes in Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Dysfunction

Introduction

Optimal treatment of chronic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis and instability remains unresolved in the literature. Specifically, no systematic comparison of two common options, Sauve-Kapandji (SK) and Darrach's, is available.

Methods

A meta-analysis was performed utilizing the PUBMED and EMBASE databases and yielded a total of 47 available studies. Objective outcomes, such as wrist range of motion (ROM), forearm ROM, grip strength, and subjective outcomes, including pain and rate of return to work, were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using t test and chi-square test.

Results

For both the SK and Darrach's procedures, forearm ROM was significantly better postoperatively in both pronation (p = 0.0001 for both groups) and supination (p = 0.0001 for both groups). Wrist flexion decreased in the SK group (p = 0.0007), but no difference was found for wrist extension (p = 0.09). The Darrach's group showed a significance improvement in wrist extension (p = 0.0001). Grip strength was improved in the SK group (p < 0.0001), but not in the Darrach's group (p = 0.7831). No difference existed between the SK and Darrach's groups in proportion of patients who were pain-free. The SK group had higher numbers of patients return to work (p = 0.0057). There was not enough data from the studies to make any meaningful analysis in term of treatment failure and complications.

Conclusions

Overall, both the SK and Darrach's procedures helped improve pain, wrist ROM, and forearm ROM in patient with chronic DRUJ disorders. The SK procedure can have advantages over the Darrach's procedures in terms of grip strength and rate of return to work.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-00826-5.

Long-term results of Sauvé-Kapandji procedure

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is an established treatment option for distal radioulnar joint dysfunction. We retrospectively analysed 36 patients following Sauvé-Kapandji procedure between 1997 and 2013. Fifteen patients were available for a follow-up after a mean of 13 years (range 6 to 23). Six patients needed revision surgery because of ulnar stump instability. Radiographs and sonography were performed to quantify the instability of the proximal ulnar stump. These showed a radioulnar convergence of 8 mm without weight and 2 mm while lifting 1 kg. Sonographically, the proximal ulnar stump dislocated by 8 mm to the volar side while applying pressure to the palm, compared with 4 mm on the contralateral side. Sonographically measured ulnar stump instability showed a positive strong correlation with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Patient-Reported Wrist Evaluations and a negative strong correlation with grip strength and supination torque. Because of the high incidence of revision surgery due to instability of the proximal ulnar stump, we restrict the use of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure only to very selected cases.Level of evidence: IV.

Modified Sauve-Kapandji Procedure Using Iliac Bone Graft for Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal Ulna: Stabilizing With Two-Screw Fixation: A Case Report

CASE

We describe a 33-year-old man who had a giant cell tumor in the ulnar head treated with wide resection and reconstructed using the modified Sauve-Kapandji procedure with an iliac crest bone graft as ulnar support.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the destructive nature of the tumor and the important role played by the ulnar head in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), treatment of the giant cell tumor in the distal ulna is a challenge. The modified Sauve-Kapandji procedure is an effective technique to restore DRUJ function, which is performed as an ulnar support arthroplasty. Using an iliac crest bone graft as ulnar support in reconstruction surgery could be a practical method after the ulnar head has been resected.

[Clinical application progress of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure]

Objective

To review the clinical application progress of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure.

Methods

The indications, techniques, effectiveness, and modifications of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure were analyzed and evaluated by an extensive review of the relevant literature.

Results

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure can be applied for various disorders of the distal radioulnar joint. Risk of series of complications exist, which might be reduced by modification of the procedure.

Conclusion

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure, as a salvage operation, can be a good alternative by meticulous manipulation for appropriate cases with distal radioulnar joint disorders.

Outcome of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for distal radioulnar joint disorder with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis: Results of one-year follow-up

OBJECTIVES

We performed the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treating disorders of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to compare and clarify the results of the SK procedure between RA and OA patients. We report the one-year follow-up results of patients who underwent the SK procedure to correct the DRUJ disorder caused by RA or OA.

METHODS

The study included 22 wrists of 19 patients with RA and 10 wrists of nine patients with OA. Pain, grip strength and range of motion of the wrist were examined clinically. For the evaluation of the stability of the carpus, ulnar stump and bone union, parameters were measured using radiographs. Shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) was used for functional evaluation.

RESULTS

Wrist pain reduced in all cases, and bone union was achieved in all wrists. The QuickDASH score significantly improved in both patients with RA and OA. In patients with RA, the range of motion increased significantly with regard to supination but decreased significantly with regard to palmar flexion. Carpal alignment and ulnar stump stability were maintained well at one-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treating disorders of the distal radioulnar joint DRUJ showed good results clinically and radiographically, irrespective of RA or OA.

Radiocarpal and Midcarpal Instability in Rheumatoid Patients: A Systematic Review

Background:

This study was aimed at identifying the criteria for the diagnosis of Radiocarpal instability in rheumatoid arthritis RA).

Methods:

The main databases were searched to identify studies describing the pathophysiology of Radiocarpal instability in patients with RA. We focussed on the epidemiology, radiographic parameters, criteria for instability and on treatment options. Results. In the search 108 articles were found, of these 12 studies were included for this review. Instability occurs in at an average of 35.2% of the rheumatoid wrists. The instability was found between 8 and 13 years after onset of rheumatoid arthritis. A strong correlation was found between instability, duration of RA and Larsen score. Several radiographic methods were described to evaluate Radiocarpal instability in RA. Several treatment options for instability in patients with RA are described. All with their own indications and limitations.

Conclusion:

On a standard AP radiograph deformity can be measured using the carpal height and the ulnar translation index of Chamay. This gives an indication for instability. For describing the deterioration of the joints the Larsen score is most used. If there are more radiographs in time the Simmen classification can be used. For real assessment of instability dynamic radiographs are needed.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.

Modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrists: a long-term study with a minimum follow-up of 5 years

OBJECTIVES

We performed a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treating disorders of distal radioulnar joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This procedure involves resecting the distal part of the ulna, rotating the resected portion by 90° and fixating it with the distal part of the radius for shelf plasty. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of this procedure with more than 5 years' follow-up.

METHODS

We studied 32 wrists of 27 RA patients with the mean follow-up of 93.1 months after operation. Pain, grip strength and range of motion of the wrist were examined clinically, while two indices for evaluation of ulnar and palmar translation of the carpus, carpal translation index and palmar carpal subluxation ratio were calculated on radiographs.

RESULTS

The wrist pain reduced in all cases. Range of motion increased significantly regarding pronation and supination but decreased significantly regarding flexion. Change in grip power was not significant. No significant differences were recognized between radiographic indices, suggesting carpal alignment was maintained well throughout the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

We think this procedure could be applied for distal radioulnar joint disorders in RA patients with promising clinical as well as radiographic outcomes over a long period.