Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Instability

What is Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Instability?

Distal radioulnar joint instability is the abnormal orientation or movement of the radius and ulna bones at the wrist in relation to one another. Injury to the tendons, ligaments and/or muscles stabilizing the joint may cause partial or complete dislocation.

Anatomy

The articular surface of the radius bone referred to as the ulnar notch, and the head of the ulna bone form the distal radioulnar joint. A complex structure called the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) contributes to wrist stability. 

Symptoms

A deformed wrist may be a sign of DRUJ instability. Other symptoms include:

• Wrist pain
• Inflammation
• Weakness
• Decreased range of motion

Risk Factors

The common risk factors include:

• Trauma
• Fall on an outstretched hand
• Congenital bone defects
• Sports such as baseball, racquetball or tennis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will assess your symptoms, take your medical history, and perform a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI or CT-scans may be ordered. 

Diagnosis is confirmed in the following cases:

• Injury to the TFCC
• Widening of the joint space between the radius and ulna  

Treatment

Non-surgical Treatment

Your doctor will prescribe pain medication as needed. Use of ice packs may be suggested to reduce inflammation. Other non-surgical treatment options include:

• Massage therapy
• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Immobilization by a splint or cast

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is recommended by your doctor if you do not respond to non-surgical treatment options, and involves the following:

• The surgery may be performed under general or local anesthesia.
• A few small incisions are made at the wrist near the radioulnar joint.
• An arthroscope, a small, fiber-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera, is inserted. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a large monitor, allowing your surgeon to look for any damage, assess the type of injury and repair the problem.
• Debridement, or cleaning out the damaged tissue, is performed by your surgeon.
• K-wires are used to suture the separated ligament.
• The incision is closed and a bandage is applied.