An anatomic reconstruction of the distal radioulnar ligaments for posttraumatic distal radioulnar joint instability

Abstract

Fourteen patients with posttraumatic distal radioulnar joint instability were treated with a reconstruction of the distal radioulnar ligaments. The technique is anatomically accurate, is reproducible, and requires less dissection than previously described techniques. Candidates for the procedure had joint instability and an irreparable triangular fibrocartilage complex. Ten patients had bidirectional instability. Two patients had a concurrent corrective osteotomy of the distal radius for a malunion. The procedure restored stability and relieved symptoms in 12 of 14 patients at 1 to 4 years' follow-up evaluation. One patient with a deficient sigmoid notch and one with ulnocarpal ligament injury did not achieve full stability. All patients attained near full pronation and supination. The procedure is an effective treatment for an unstable distal radioulnar joint when its articular surfaces are intact and the other wrist ligaments are functional, and it can be used in combination with a distal radius corrective osteotomy.