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From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Distal Radius Fracture (Colles' Fracture)

Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

by Brian D. Adams, MD

Distal radioulnar joint instability is characterized by increased anteroposterior joint translation, varying from subluxation to complete dislocation.Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability most commonly occurs in conjunction with a distal radius fracture. Up to 30 percent of distal radius fractures have persistent ulnar-sided symptoms, with many caused by DRUJ instability. Distal radioulnar joint instability usually results from a combined rotational and axial force to the forearm and the most common cause for DRUJ instability is a distal radius fracture.

This article presents the pathophysiology and clinical diagnosis of chronic istability of the distal radioulnar joint, and reviews surgical management options indepth. Techniques reviewed in deatil include TFCC open repair and distal radioulnsar ligament reconstruction. Video is available.

Keywords: hand injury, finger injury, flexor tendon rupture, flexor tendon system, flexor pulley system, flexor digitorum profundus, FDP, flexor digitorum superficialis, FDS, core suture method, epitendinous suture method, partial FDP laceration repair

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