Radiolunate arthrodesis and scaphoidectomy combined to Sauvé-Kapandji procedure as treatment of wrist osteoarthritis: Clinical and radiological results

Hand Surg Rehabil. 2023 Oct;42(5):400-405. doi: 10.1016/j.hansur.2023.07.011. Epub 2023 Jul 23.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and radiological results for 1-stage radiolunate arthrodesis and scaphoidectomy associated to the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure, to alleviate pain and conserve wrist motion.

Methods: Seven patients (8 wrists) with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the radiolunate and distal radioulnar joints were treated from 1999 to 2016. Mean age at surgery was 49 years and M/F sex ratio was 6/1. Etiologies were distal radial intra-articular malunion for 6 patients and bilateral gouty arthritis for 1. The procedure was performed by a dorsal approach in a single step. Pain was assessed on visual analogue scale (VAS). Pre- and post-operative active flexion-extension and pronation-supination were compared. The secondary endpoint was onset of postoperative complications.

Results: At a mean 71 months' follow-up (range, 30-168 months), there was significant reduction in pain (VAS, 0.5/10; p < 0.0001). Motion results were satisfactory, with 32° flexion, 39° extension, for a non-significant decrease of 11° and 5° respectively; pronation and supination were significantly increased, by a mean 23° and 30° respectively. Three wrists (37.5%) required a second surgery. There were no cases of surgical site infection or non-union.

Conclusion: Radiolunate arthrodesis and scaphoidectomy combined to Sauvé-Kapandji procedure was an effective solution for the treatment of symptomatic radiolunate and distal radioulnar osteoarthritis.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Arthodèse radio-lunaire; Arthrodesis; Arthrodèse; Die punch; Intervention de Sauvé-Kapandji; Poignet; Radiolunate arthrodesis; Sauvé-Kapandji procedure; Wrist.

MeSH terms

  • Arthrodesis / methods
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoarthritis* / surgery
  • Pain
  • Radiography
  • Wrist*