The Sauve–Kapandji Procedure and the Darrach Procedure for Distal Radio–Ulnar Joint Dysfunction after Colles’ Fracture

Abstract

This retrospective study evaluated the results of the Darrach procedure and the Sauve–Kapandji procedure for the treatment of distal radio–ulnar joint derangement following malunion of dorsally displaced, unstable, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius in patients under 50 years of age. Twelve of 18 possible patients in the Sauve–Kapandji group completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand survey at a mean of 4 years postoperatively and nine of the 18 returned for a follow-up examination at a mean of 2 years. Twenty-one of 30 possible patients in the Darrach group completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand survey at a mean of 6 years postoperatively and 13 of these 30 returned for follow-up examination at a mean of 4 years. The Darrach procedure and the Sauve–Kapandji procedure yielded comparable and unpredictable results with respect to both subjective and objective parameters.