Stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump in the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure by using the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon: long-term follow-up studies.

PURPOSE The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is considered a useful treatment option for distal radioulnar disorders. Postoperative instability of the proximal ulnar stump and radioulnar convergence, however, may be symptomatic. We modified the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure by stabilizing the proximal ulnar stump with a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon. We previously reported on 13 patients with this procedure at an average follow-up period of 35 months; the patients had satisfactory clinical results and improved stability of the proximal ulnar stump as shown by x-ray examination. In this article we address the question of whether those clinical and radiographic results noted at an average follow-up period of 35 months after surgery were maintained at later follow-up examinations. METHODS We re-examined 12 of the 13 original patients and compared their initial follow-up results with their current results after an average follow-up period of 95 months. RESULTS The results of this series after 95 months of follow-up evaluation were similar to the results at 35 months. CONCLUSIONS The results presented in this article suggest that the clinical radiographic results at the 35-month follow-up examination were maintained in the long-term 95-month follow-up evaluation despite the finding that the hole in the proximal ulnar stump had broken in 3 wrists at follow-up examination. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, Level IV.