Purpose: We analysed outcome in a retrospective consecutive series of 30 Kapandju-Sauvé procedures performed between January 1993 and September 2000 for correction of antebrachial injuries (five patients) and distal radioulnar injuries (25 patients).

Material and methods: All patients (mean age 42 years) were reviewed by the same observer at a mean follow-up of 44 months. Mean time from initial trauma to surgery was 26 months.

Results: For the distal radio-ulnar injuries, the objectives were achieved (158° pronation-supination) with preservation of force (73% of healthy side). The Mayo Clinic functional score, as modified, was 72/100 at last follow-up and 24/25 patients were satisfied. For the ante-brachial injuries, outcome was slightly inferior: 110° pro-nation-supination, force 48% of healthy side, functional score 56/100, three out of five patients very satisfied or satisfied, resumed occupational activity in four out of five patients. There were however no cases with an unstable ulnar stump in this group.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the efficacy of the Kapandji-Sauvé procedure for the treatment of sequelae of distal radio-ulnar injuries, particularly in young patients. The novel indication for antebrachial injuries also provided satisfactory results after a simple procedure compared with shaft osteotomy of the two ante-brachial bones.