Functional bracing for distal radioulnar joint instability.

Abstract

Symptomatic chronic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability can be a challenging disorder to treat surgically. This study used a cadaver model to assess the effect of functional forearm bracing on DRUJ instability. The specimen upper extremities were mounted on a platform and the DRUJ was destabilized sequentially. The effect of both prefabricated commercial braces and custom-made braces on joint stability was documented by computed tomography. Both braces markedly reduced DRUJ translation in both full pronation and full supination. The custom-made brace overreduced the DRUJ in full pronation. Our results suggest that functional forearm bracing may be effective in reducing instability of the DRUJ without greatly restricting motion of the wrist, forearm, or elbow.