Implant arthroplasty for treatment of ulnar head resection-related instability.

Abstract

Resection of the ulnar head in cases of debilitating pain owing to arthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint can provide satisfying relief. However, there is mounting evidence that pain with heavier use, instability, and torque-generating weakness in more active individuals may result in less satisfying outcomes. Implant arthroplasty can provide a means to stabilize the radius to the ulna after ulnar head resection, but it requires significant attention to requisite soft tissue stabilization and alignment of the distal radius to the implant to be successful.