Results of extensor carpi ulnaris tenodesis in the rheumatoid wrist

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undergoing a distal ulnar excision [published erratum appears in J Hand Surg [Am] 1991 Jan;16(1):132]. Leslie BM. Carlson G. Ruby LK. J Hand Surg [Am]. 15(4):547-51, 1990 Jul. Distal ulna resections that are done in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to alleviate pain, correct alignment, and prevent tendon rupture may contribute to distal ulnar instability. A distally based slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon has been used to both stabilize the distal ulnar remnant and to prevent recurrent deformity in 26 rheumatoid wrists, with an average follow-up of 3.5 years. In all postoperative cases, the distal ulna was no longer prominent and the wrist was well aligned. The distal ulna was stabilized in 96% of the patients. Subjectively, pain was relieved in 85% and grip strength improved in 77%.