Mid- to long-term functional results after Bowers' hemiresection interposition arthroplasty of the distal radio-ulnar joint

Background Bowers' hemiresection interposition arthroplasty of the distal radio-ulnar joint has been performed for decades, mainly for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the distal radio-ulnar joint. However, long-term test results are sparse. Objective Evaluation of a homogeneous patient population following a mid- to long-term postoperative follow-up interval after hemiresection interposition arthroplasty. Patients and methods Twenty-five patients were evaluated 77.2 (+/- 34.6) months after surgical therapy with regard to range of motion, grip strength and pain level. The subjective and objective scores DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and MMWS (modified Mayo Wrist Score) were collected. Results Wrist mobility is not worse than 10.4 degrees in relation to all directions of wrist movement compared with the healthy opposite side. Coarse grip strength is reduced by an average of 5.8 kg compared with the opposite side. The pain level decreased on average from 8.2 preoperatively to 1.8 postoperatively. Postoperatively, 22 patients (88 %) had a stable distal radio-ulnar joint. At the time of follow-up DASH averaged 26.7 (+/- 21.4) and the MMWS averaged 78 (+/- 15.7). Discussion Hemiresection interposition arthroplasty is a reliable and safe surgical technique with good subjective and functional outcomes in the mid- to long-term.