Complications of Semiconstrained Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty.

Purpose The Aptis total distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) prosthesis is a semiconstrained implant designed for treatment of DRUJ arthritis and instability. The purpose of this study was to analyze short-term complications of this device. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing semiconstrained DRUJ arthroplasty from 2007 to 2015 at a single institution. Records were analyzed for complications and the need for subsequent surgical procedures. Results Two senior hand surgeons at one institution performed 52 semiconstrained DRUJ arthroplasties over 8 years. Nineteen complications necessitating operative management occurred in 15 patients (29%). A total of 26 procedures were undertaken to address these complications. Complications included 4 periprosthetic fractures, 3 infections, 2 instances of aseptic loosening, 2 implant component failures, 1 instance of screw loosening, 3 neuromas requiring neurectomy, 2 instances of finger stiffness necessitating extensor tenolysis, and 2 cases of heterotopic ossification at the DRUJ. Three of the 52 implants were revised (6%) and 2 were explanted (4%); 3 of these (6%) were caused by deep infection. Conclusions There is limited literature on outcomes of the semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis. Prior studies reported low complication rates, with 0% to 5% revisions. In the current clinical series, 29% of patients required further surgery for complications, the most common reasons for which were periprosthetic fracture and infection. Copyright (C) 2018 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.