The distal radioulnar joint capsule: clinical anatomy and role in posttraumatic limitation of forearm rotation

Abstract

Posttraumatic limitation of forearm rotation can be the result of pathology at any location along the forearm axis. Scar contracture of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) capsule, independent of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), is one of the sources that may influence the pronosupination arc. We dissected the wrists of 8 fresh-frozen cadaver specimens to characterize the precise anatomy, relationships, and dynamic characteristics of the entire DRUJ capsule. Additionally, we performed surgical DRUJ capsulectomy in 9 patients with recalcitrant limited forearm pronosupination that was unattributable to dysfunction at any other anatomic forearm location. We conclude that (1) the DRUJ capsule is a defined entity, separate from the triangular fibrocartilage, that is highly specialized to accommodate the distal ulna in forearm rotation; (2) in patients who have restored osseous anatomy after trauma, but have failed to regain pronosupination after maximal rehabilitation, the DRUJ capsule can be identified as the source of the limitation; and (3) DRUJ capsulectomy can markedly improve the arc of forearm rotation in carefully selected patients.