A stable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is mandatory for the function and load transmission in the wrist and forearm. Resectional salvage procedures such as the Darrach procedure, Bowers
arthroplasty, and Sauvé-Kapandji procedure include the potential risk of radioulnar instability and impingement, which can lead to
pain and weakness. Soft tissue stabilizing techniques have only limited success rates in solving these problems. In an attempt to stabilize the distal forearm mechanically following ulnar head resection, various
endoprostheses have been developed to replace the ulnar head. The
prostheses can be used for secondary treatment of failed ulnar head resection, but they can also achieve good results in the primary treatment of
osteoarthritis of the DRUJ. Our experience consists of twenty-five patients (follow-up 30 months) with DRUJ
osteoarthritis who were treated with an ulnar head
prosthesis, with improvement in
pain, range of motion, and grip strength. An ulnar head
prosthesis should be considered as a treatment option for a painful DRUJ.