Hand surgeon Dr. Luis R. Scheker implanted the first approved prosthesis for total replacement of the distal radio-ulnar joint at Jewish Hospital on Saturday, March 19, 2005.
Patented by Aptis Medical, the prosthesis offers relief for patients who lose the distal radio-ulnar joint due to injury, degenerative or inflammatory arthritis. The device replaces the joint between the long bones of the forearm in the area of the wrist. The revolutionary design, combined with appropriate rehabilitation, gives patients increased strength, movement, and freedom from pain. The joint replacement is a modular prosthesis, semi-constrained and uncemented. It supports and stabilizes the distal radius at the end of the ulna and adds reproducible function and comfort, unlike previously available treatments.
Dr. Luis Scheker comments, "In the U.S. alone more than 300,000 people have pain in the distal radio-ulnar joint and limitation in the rotation of the forearm with pain around the wrist. I am gratified the implantation of this prosthesis will give back movement and stability to patients and I am pleased to share my procedure globally."