The success of this new distal radioulnar joint prosthesis was measured in 19 patients using before and after measurements of wrist pain, grip strength, wrist range-of-motion, hand and wrist function, and disability. Tolerance refers to the amount of force the part can withstand without bending or breaking. Over time, they were able to increase the tolerance of the ring. From start to end of the study, they used three different models of the same basic prosthesis type. Some of the radial units had rounded corners others were rectangular. The surgeons fiddled around with the design a bit. Not all 19 C-type prosthetic devices were the same. Each prosthesis was custom made (sized) for individual patients. Rotation is made possible by the ring on the end of the radial component. The new prosthesis is also unusual in that it allows the ulnar rod to move up and down inside the bone (piston-like action) while still turning (rotating) around the radius. In other words, the hydroxypatite surface promotes bone growth filling in and around the prosthesis. When placed inside or next to the bone, this coating gives new bone cells a compatible surface to attach to. In the new C-type units, both pieces are coated with hydroxypatite, a calcium crystal that helps form bone mineral. Other wrist replacements have four pieces. What makes this device unique is the fact that it has only two parts. That ring is placed inside a hole cut into the radius just above the wrist. The shorter radial component has a circle-shaped head with a plastic lining on the inside of the round end. It is attached to the radius with a shorter cross piece also made of chromium cobalt. This new C-type prosthesis is a simple rod made of chromium cobalt that is inserted down the length of the ulnar bone. What's so special about this guy? Well, his predecessor (the joint replacement used before this one was designed) failed too many times - the previous prosthesis (replacement device) loosened, broke, backed out, or had to be removed because the patient was still in so much pain. More specifically, we're talking about the place where the radius (forearm bone on the thumb side of the wrist) connects to the ulna (forearm bone on the little finger side). In plain English that means a replacement of the wrist joint. If you feel like you have any control, you are probably reverting back to finger writing.There's a new kid on the block and his name is distal radioulnar joint or DRUJ. Finger writing should feel completely natural to you while arm writing should feel uncomfortable. Grab a pen and paper and try to feel the difference between finger writing and arm writing. You have much more control with your fingers and can write at a very small size.
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