Detructive monarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is rare.
Three patients with destructive monarthritis of the DRUJ were treated by arthrodesis in the technique described by L. Sauvé and M. Kapandji, modified by I. A. Kapandji. Prospective evaluation with a mean follow-up of 12 months was performed.
After cast immobilization for 3 weeks and mobilization, bone healing was uneventful. All patients were completely free of pain. Even a painless "snap" at the end of the ulna was mentioned in all, if rotating the forearm with powerful grasp. Rotation of the forearm improved completely. Wrist motion also improved after arthrodesis of DRUJ but did not reach the range of motion of the unaffected hand. Irritation of the ramus dorsalis nervi ulnaris was found in one patient 9.5 months after arthrodesis and disappeared after removal of the screws.
Arthrodesis of the DRUJ with distal segmental resection of the ulna seams to be an effective therapy for destructive monarthritis of the DRUJ after failed non-operative and joint-preserving operative treatment.