Treatment of chronic post-traumatic dorsal subluxation of the distal ulna by hemiresection-interposition arthroplasty.

Twenty-four patients were evaluated for complaints of pain in the area of the distal radioulnar joint, decreased forearm rotation, and weakness of grip. All patients had a history of trauma to the involved wrist an average of 40 months prior to presentation. Six patients had undergone previous surgery that was unsuccessful. Twenty-three patients were available for follow-up evaluation at an average of 36 months following hemiresection-interposition arthroplasty. At that time, results were excellent in 13 patients, good in 4 patients, fair in 3, and poor in 3. Two patients developed symptoms of styloidcarpal abutment (poor results), one of whom was upgraded to an excellent result after undergoing a shortening osteotomy of the ulna.