Abstract

Arthroplasty techniques for the distal radioulnar joint can be grouped into several categories. These are resectional or excisional arthroplasty, hemiresection or partial resectional arthroplasty, ulnar shortening, or replacement arthroplasty. These techniques are used in varying conditions and situations. Once the function of the radioulnar joint is understood, the choice of arthroplasty technique is simplified. This article presents the theoretical basis for selecting a particular type of arthroplasty technique in any patient. The author's hemiresection interposition technique of arthroplasty developed in the mid 1970s. Sufficient results have now been published that an assessment of the efficacy of the procedure is available. The author's current concept is that detailed and increasing experience with the procedure has uncovered some problems and some modifications. The major indications for the hemiresections arthroplasty and its alternatives must be in the armamentarium of those dealing with this joint.