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Distal oblique bundle reconstruction and distal radioulnar joint instability.

ABSTRACT: Background This study created an anatomic reconstruction of the distal oblique bundle (DOB) of the interosseous membrane to determine its effect on distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and compare this technique with distal radioulnar ligament (DRUL) reconstruction. Questions/Purposes We hypothesized that this reconstruction would provide equivalent stability to DRUL reconstruction and that combining the two techniques would enhance stability. Methods Six cadaveric upper limbs were affixed to a custom frame. The volar/dorsal translation of the radius relative to the ulna was measured in 60° pronation, neutral, and 60° supination. Translation was sequentially measured with the DRUJ intact, with sectioned DRULs and triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC), and with sectioned DOBs. Reconstructions were performed on the DRULs, on the DOB tensioned in both neutral and supination, and employing both techniques. Results The DOB reconstruction, tensioned both in the neutral position and in 60° supination, was more stable than the partial and complete instability in 6/6 specimens in pronation and the neutral position and in 5/6 specimens in supination. The DOB reconstruction and the DOB reconstruction tensioned in supination were more stable than the DRUL reconstruction in 4/6 patients. Combining the two techniques did not further reduce translation. Conclusions The DOB reconstruction is capable of improving stability in the unstable DRUJ.

SUBMITTER: Riggenbach MD

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3826248 | biostudies-other | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Project description:Instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is a complication that can occur following distal radius fracture or malunion. We have observed that residual radial translation of the distal radius, relative to the radial shaft, may be a causal factor of DRUJ instability, even once the traditional radiographic parameters (volar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance) have been restored. Residual radial translation of the distal fragment may cause detensioning of the distal interosseous membrane (IOM) and pronator quadratus with poor apposition between the ulnar head and sigmoid notch. This may potentially lead to persistent instability of the ulnar head following internal fixation. Residual radial translation deformity is at risk of being overlooked by the wrist surgeon as there is no existing radiographic parameter that accurately measures this deformity.In this study, 100 normal wrist radiographs were reviewed by three fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons to develop a simple and reproducible technique to measure radial translation.Utilizing the method described, the point of intersection between the ulnar cortex of the shaft of the radius and the lunate left a mean average of 45.48% (range 25–73.68%) of the lunate remaining on the radial side. In the majority of cases more of the lunate resided ulnar to this line. High levels of agreement with inter-rater (intraclass coefficients = 0.967) and intra-rater (intraclass coefficients = 0.79) reliability was observed.The results of this study can be used to define a normal standard against which residual radial translation can be measured to assess the reduction of distal radius fractures. This new parameter aids in the development of surgical techniques to correct residual radial translation deformity. In addition, awareness and correction of this potential malreduction at the time of surgery may decrease the need for other procedures on the ulnar side of the wrist to improve DRUJ stability, such as ulnar styloid fixation, TFCC repair, or ligamentous grafting [corrected].

Project description:RationaleHabitual volar dislocation of the ulnar head with a locked distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is a rare complication after distal radius fracture. We present a case of habitual volar dislocation of the ulnar head in a woman with a dorsally displaced malunited distal radius fracture.Patient concernsA 72-year-old woman presented with occasional painful locking of the forearm in full supination. She had fractured the left distal radius in a fall 6 months previously. The fracture had been treated non-surgically with wrist immobilization in a long and short arm cast for 6 weeks. Physical examination showed no swelling of the left hand. The wrist locked when the forearm was fully supinated, and the patient was not able to pronate her forearm without reducing the ulna by pressing the left ulna down toward the DRUJ. She experienced sharp pain during the reduction procedure and pronation of the left forearm. The affected wrist had 91% motion compared with the contralateral wrist.DiagnosisRadiography and computed tomography showed 28° dorsally angulated malunion of the distal radius and ulnar head subluxation with respect to the radius. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed disruption of the ulnar-side triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) from the ulna fovea.InterventionsThe patient desired surgery to address the painful click during full supination of her left wrist and the limitations in her activities of daily living. Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius and arthroscopic repair of the ulnar-side tear of the TFCC were performed. The TFCC was arthroscopically repaired to the ulnar fovea to stabilize the DRUJ.OutcomesAt 1 year postoperatively, radiography showed complete union of the radius. The affected side had 97% wrist motion compared with the contralateral wrist and a full range of forearm rotation without pain or clicking. The grasp strength was 100% compared with the normal wrist.LessonsMalunited distal radius fracture with concomitant TFCC injury can result in habitual volar dislocation of the ulnar head due to severely dorsally angulated malunion of the radius and avulsion of the ulnar-side TFCC from the ulna fovea. This condition required corrective osteotomy plus TFCC repair.

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Distal oblique bundle reconstruction and distal radioulnar joint instability.

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