Long-Term Results of Darrach Resection in Patients 40 Years and Younger

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after distal ulna resection (Darrach procedure) in young adults.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review identified all adult patients who underwent Darrach resection at 40 years of age or younger and had a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Twenty-one patients (24 wrists) were available for final follow-up. Fifteen patients (16 wrists) returned for in-person evaluation, and seven patients (eight wrists) completed questionnaires by phone.

Results

Mean PRWE and QuickDASH scores were 32 and 34, respectively. The median visual analog scale at rest was 0 and 1 with activity. In 88% of cases, patients reported they would have the same surgery again. Of those who were employed preoperatively, 81% (13/16) returned to work, with all but one patient returning to their preoperative job. Radioulnar convergence occurred in all patients, but only three (23%) were symptomatic.

Conclusion

The Darrach procedure may be a viable surgical option for DRUJ pathology in younger adults when other options are unavailable.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic IV.

Keywords

Darrach procedure - distal ulna resection - radioulnar convergence

Ethical Approval

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Mayo Institutional Review Board #21–005329.

Patients' Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects before the study.

Statement of Human and Animal Rights

The procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000 and 2008.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 13. Januar 2025

Angenommen: 14. April 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. Mai 2025

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