Short To Midterm Results of Ulnar Head Replacement in 11 Patients for a Variety of Disorders of the Distal Radioulnar Joint

We present the results of short to medium-term follow-up of 11 patients following ulnar 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 (range 12–88 months) at review. Current mean follow up is 101 months (range 72 to 148 months). The indications for the procedure were primary osteoarthritis (n = 3), post-traumatic osteoarthritis (n = 4), failed distal ulna resection (n = 3) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 1). Three patients required revision (27%), one for infection, one for aseptic loosening of the stem and one for an oversized head. At final follow-up, the satisfaction 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 ulnar head replacement can give satisfactory forearm function. However, concerns exist regarding bone resorption and tapering around the prosthesis, which may affect the long-term survival of the prosthesis. Level of evidence: IV.