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. 2016 Oct-Dec;7(4):292-295.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2016.04.005. Epub 2016 Jul 25.

Short- to mid-term results of ulna head replacement as both a primary and revision implant

Tobias K A Baring  1 , Ravi Popat  2 , Ali Abdelwahab  1 , Barry Ferris  3
Affiliations

Short- to mid-term results of ulna head replacement as both a primary and revision implant

Tobias K A Baring et al. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2016 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

We present the results of short- to medium-term follow-up of 10 patients following ulna head replacement. The mean age of patients was 63.2 years (range 48-81 years), with the mean duration of follow-up being 48 months (12-88 months). The indications for the procedure were primary osteoarthritis (n = 3), post-traumatic osteoarthritis (n = 4), failed Darrach's procedure (n = 2) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 1). Two patients required revision (20%), one for gross aseptic loosening of the stem and another for an initially oversized head. At final follow-up, the satisfactory rate was 90%. The mean VAS score was 2.4 (range 0-8). The average DASH score was 37 (range 0-72.5). Our study suggests that ulna head replacement can give satisfactory forearm function; however, concerns exist regarding bone resorption and tapering around the prosthesis, which may affect the long-term performance of the prosthesis.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Arthritis; Distal radio-ulna joint; Distal ulna replacement; Wrist arthroplasty.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Radiograph 3 years after DUR showing complete resorption of cortical bone from the collar of the prosthesis and tapering of the rest of the cortical bone along the length of the stem.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Radiograph showing customised HA-coated revision implant following aseptic loosening of primary implant.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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