The first two Aptis distal radioulnar joint prostheses in France. Why so late? Why so few?

Abstract

In March 2024, the first two Aptis distal radioulnar joint prostheses in France were implanted at the University Hospital of Martinique. In Europe, these types of prostheses have been used since 2008 in Spain and the UK. This article aims to analyse the reasons why the Aptis prosthesis was not used in France, the second-largest economy in Europe, for 20 years after its approval in the European market. In our opinion, there are two major reasons: the first is financial and regulatory, related to the French Social Security system and private insurance; the second is related to the degree of openness of French surgery to Anglo-Saxon concepts and ideas.Level of evidence: V.