Darrach vs. Sauve-Kapandji: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Surgical Outcomes in Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Dysfunction

Introduction Optimal treatment of chronic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis and instability remains unresolved in the literature. Specifically, no systematic comparison of two common options, Sauve-Kapandji (SK) and Darrach's, is available. Methods A meta-analysis was performed utilizing the PUBMED and EMBASE databases and yielded a total of 47 available studies. Objective outcomes, such as wrist range of motion (ROM), forearm ROM, grip strength, and subjective outcomes, including pain and rate of return to work, were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using t test and chi-square test. Results For both the SK and Darrach’s procedures, forearm ROM was significantly better postoperatively in both pronation ( p = 0.0001 for both groups) and supination ( p = 0.0001 for both groups). Wrist flexion decreased in the SK group ( p = 0.0007), but no difference was found for wrist extension ( p = 0.09). The Darrach's group showed a significance improvement in wrist extension ( p = 0.0001). Grip strength was improved in the SK group ( p