1. 2016 Scheker DRUJ Prosthesis Surgical Demonstration Images From Multiple Cases for Clarity

3. Forearm in full pronation, 8-9 cm long hockey stick incision along ulnar border of distal forearm, turning radially just distal to the head of the ulna for additional 2 cm.
Forearm in full pronation, 8-9 cm long hockey stick incision along ulnar border of distal forearm, turning radially just distal to the head of the ulnar for additional 2 cm

4. Ioban steridrape or comparable alternative is recommended to reduce contact between the skin and implant.

5. Dissection between subcutaneous tissue and the forearm fascia.

6. Barrier flap design of soft tissue incorporating both fascia and proximal retinaculum based ulnarward & extending radially to the second compartment.

7. Flap elevated from radial to ulnar, incorporating the capsule present over the head of the ulna for extra cushion.

8. The ECU Tendon Sheath is Released to Its Distal Origin
The ECU is elevated and it’s tendon sheath is released to it’s distal insertion. This prevents possible tethering of the tendon against the prosthesis.

9. The ECU is elevated and it’s tendon sheath is released to it’s distal insertion. This prevents possible tethering of the tendon against the prosthesis.

11. EDQM and EIP are elevated from the ulna and interosseous membrane
EDQM and EIP are elevated from the ulna and interosseous membrane. Extensor mass is elevated to expose the interosseous crest of radius. The distal posterior interosseous nerve is divided to prevent avulsion from the extensor mass.

12. Neck of the ulna is being prepared for osteotomy after the interosseous membrane is released.

14. Arthritic Ulnar Head

15. Interosseous membrane is divided from the crest of the radius.

16. An elevator is placed volar to the radius and the ulna is levered volarly to allow exposure of the entire ulnar side of the radius.

17. The Area of the Sigmoid Notch is Identified and Any Osteophytes in the area are excised

18. Volar Lip often requires
contouring for proper
radial plate placement
Improper Dorsally
Angulated Position
Proper Position

19. Reducing volar lip of radius by means of a saw blade

20. A Burr can also be used to Contour the Radius for the Radial Plate Trial

21. The Radial Plate Trial is Positioned on the Ulnar border of the Radius in the Area of the Sigmoid Notch. Its Volar Facing Edge is aligned with the Volar Surface of the Radius. Using .045” K-wires the Trial is temporarily fixed to the Radius

22. The Volar Surface of the Radius is Visualized to Ensure Proper Placement of the Radial Plate Trial

23. The Volar Surface of the Radius is Visualized to Ensure Proper Placement of the Radial Plate Trial

24. The Trial’s position is checked using an image intensifer
The Trial’s position is checked using an image intensifer. The PA view confirms distal clearance and general alignment. The lateral view ensures the plate is neither dorsally or volarly angulated

25. The center oval guide hole is drilled first to allow optional final adjustments. Care is taken to ensure the hole passes transversely through the radius without violating the dorsal or volar cortex.

26. The Hole is then Tapped Prior to Introduction of a 3
The Hole is then Tapped Prior to Introduction of a 3.5 mm Cortical Bone Screw Self Tapping Screws are NOT used to Allow the Interchanging of Screws if Necessary

27. With the center screw in place and proper positioning confirmed, the radial peg drill bit can be passed through the trials distal guide hole. The bit is typically inserted until its stopping plate contacts the trial. Care should be taken to ensure the peg bit Does Not violate the dorsal or volar cortex or pass through the radius.

28. The proximal k-wire is removed and radiographic confirmation used to confirm final positioning. The profile of the trial with the radial peg bit in place will mimic what should be seen when it is replaced by the actual prosthesis.
Trial alignment, screw direction - length, radial peg bit direction and depth are confirmed. If the dorsal or volar cortex is violated by the peg or screws they should be removed and redirected.

29. The Radial Plate is Introduced by first inserting the Radial Plate Peg into the pre-drilled hole. Care is taken to ensure no tissues are trapped between the plate the the radius.

30. A Plastic Impactor is provided to protect the Radial Plate when using a mallet for insertion

31. Radial plate positioning checked
Radial plate positioning checked. Excessive screw length should be avoided as well as contact between the peg and the distal screw.

32. The screw for the oval hole is first applied followed by up to 4 additional fixation screws

33. The forearm is placed in full pronation (radius at its shortest relative length), and the ulnar resection guide is inserted along the ulna and into the hemi-socket of the radial plate. The ulna is then juxtaposed against the guide.

34. With the forearm in full pronation, the resection guide is marked in 1 cm increments allowing the selection of the appropriate extended length ulnar stem.

35. The osteotomy is made transversely through the ulna and the resection guide can be used to confirm the level

36. 2 mm guide wire is inserted into the ulna’s medullary canal to act as a centralizing guide.

37. A cannulated drill bit is inserted over the guide wire, the medullary canal is drilled to a depth of 11 cm from the distal end of ulna. Care should be taken to ensure the bit remains within the medullary canal. This is regardless of the ulnar stem length selected.

38. It may be necessary to remove the drill bit and clear it of bone before proceeding. Always remember to have the guide wire in place prior to continued drilling.

39. The cannulated drill bit continues until reaching the black line indicating the required depth has been reached.

40. A reamer, rounded proximally to prevent misdirection, is inserted into the canal to cut a Bevel in the distal ulna.

41. The Reamer is inserted until its Stopping Plate contacts the Distal Ulna

42. Contact with the Ulnar Stem is kept to a minimum during Its insertion

43. During insertion the ulnar stem will meet resistance as the plasma spray engages the ulna. A plastic impactor is then used to protect the distal polished peg of the ulnar stem
Periodically the impactor should be removed and the relationship between the radial plate and the ulnar stem checked. Over insertion of the ulnar stem Must be avoided

44. The distal Radial Plate and the distal Ulnar Stem should
Care should be taken not to over insert the Ulna Stem. Regardless of the Ulnar Stem length used, the distal end of stem should be no more proximal than the distal end of the Radial Plate. This relationship will provide full support of the UHMWP ball.
The distal Radial Plate and
the distal Ulnar Stem should
be at the same level when
the stem is fully inserted
1 cm Extended Length Ulnar Stem

45. The UHMWP ball is placed over the Distal Peg of Ulnar Stem affectively replacing the function of the articular surface of the Ulna Head

46. Placement of the Radial Plate Cover, ensuring the mating surfaces are free of any interposing material and securing it with two small screws completes the Prosthesis. Care should be taken to firmly secure the screws with out stripping them. If there is any doubt, replace with new screws. The secured cover stabilizes the artificial Joint as would an intact TFC in regards to a normal DRUJ.

47. If needed bone graft from the excised portion of the ulna can be used to fill any voids.

49. The Fascial-Retinacular Flap under the ECU and over the prosthesis provides a cushioning barrier for the tendon.

50. Barrier Flap sutured into position under the ECU tendon and the EDQM.

51. With the implant rigidly in place, the skin is closed in a normal manner, bulky soft tissue dressings are used. Should any doubt exist as to the implants fixation, a short arm splint should be applied.