Comparative Study of 2 Bone Anchors Using a Limited Open Procedure for the Management of Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability.

Background: Arthroscopic and open surgical procedures are commonly used to repair distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Both may result in patient dissatisfaction and recurrence of DRUJ instability. An alternative treatment that yields improved outcomes is a limited open approach using a bone anchor to support the DRUJ.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 58 patients (59 extremities) aged 18 to 60 years with type 1B Palmer rupture (3 months or more after injury) of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) without distal radius fracture was conducted. Inclusion criteria are: 3 to 12 months after injury, clinical DRUJ instability, and minimum of 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Operative fixation with Stryker Sonic or Depuy Mitek anchor was done by the same surgeon using a limited open procedure. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Brief Pain Inventory; Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale; Numeric Pain Scale; range of motion; and recurrence of instability. A multivariate analysis of variance model was fit to imputed data to assess the effect of both anchors.

Results: Clinical and statistical differences were found in preoperative and postoperative assessments for either the Stryker Sonic or the Depuy Mitek anchor but not between anchor types. There was no recurrence after 3 years with either anchor.

Conclusion: Patients requiring TFCC repair using the Stryker Sonic or Depuy Mitek anchor experienced: (1) significant clinical and statistical improvement in postoperative assessments; (2) patient satisfaction; and (3) corrected DRUJ instability. Consequently, major determinants in deciding which bone anchor to use may be based on cost or surgeon's preference.