Technique of Tendon Interposition Arthroplasty for Chronic Volar Dislocation of the Distal Radioulnar Joint.

Abstract

Volar distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocations are uncommon wrist injuries. Failed diagnosis or treatment can result in irreversible damage to the articulating surfaces and ultimately lead to chronic degenerative arthritis. When the DRUJ is reducible, and the cartilage is preserved, ligament reconstruction and ulnar osteotomy are surgical options for residual wrist instability or pain. When destruction of the native DRUJ has already occurred, surgical treatment options are salvage procedures. Here we present treatment for a chronic volarly dislocated DRUJ with open reduction and internal fixation using an alternative joint-preserving surgical technique with tendon allograft interposition arthroplasty.