A comparative study of the modified Sauvé–Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrist with and without stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump

We compared the clinical and radiological results of the modified Sauve–Kapandji procedure for 41 of 86 operated rheumatoid wrists with (n = 22) and without (n = 19) stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump with a slip of half the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon. Gender, age, and follow-up period were similar in the two groups. We found no difference clinically or on radiographs between the two groups other than better early postoperative pain relief in those stabilized. Stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump may not be necessary in the modified Sauve–Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrists.