Malunion of a Complex Fracture of the Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ): Artificial Sauvé-Kapandji Situation Results in Pain-Free Movements of Forearm and Wrist

Background: Generating an artificial spontaneous Sauve-Kapandji situation after malunion of the distal radioulnar joint (DRJU) enables a patient to move forearm and wrist without pain. Case Study: A patient with an extensive combined fracture of the distal radius and ulna accompanied by a subluxation of the ulnar head and an avulsion fracture of the base of the ulnar styloid was treated with external fixator. During follow-up, an artificial fracture was observed at a former pin site. This led to nonunion approximately 3 cm proximal to the ulnar head. Comparable to a spontaneously generated Sauve-Kapandji situation, the development of this nonunion resulted in a pain-ree situation allowing free movement of forearm and wrist. The extend of motion was 70 degrees/0 degrees 80 degrees pronation/supination. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]