DISLOCATION OF DISTAL RADIO ULNAR JOINT ASSOCIATED WITH FRACTURE OF BOTH BONES OF THE FOREARM – A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in association with fractures of both bones of the forearm has received relatively little attention in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the integrity of DRUJ and evaluate the association between the level of fracture and instability of DRUJ following fracture both bones of forearm.

This was a prospective study of 65 patients, over 3 years followed up for 12 months. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of radius and ulna. The mean age of the patients was 34.8 years (15–68 yrs). There were 51 males and 14 females. There were 18 fractures involving distal third of forearm, 42 fractures in the middle third and 5 fractures of the proximal third. 38 fractures (58.4%) had subluxation of the DRUJ and 27 had no DRUJ subluxation. All subluxations were dorsal. Post-operatively, 30 of the 38 fractures (78.9%) had persistent DRUJ subluxation. Of the 27 fractures, which had no pre-operative DRUJ subluxation, 10 fractures (37%) revealed dorsal subluxation in the post-operative radiographs. All fractures were immobilised in above elbow plaster casts for 6 weeks. All patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Patients were assessed clinically, radiologically with standardised radiographs and functional assessment of grip and pinch strength using Jamar dynamometer. At 12 months, 12 patients had significant symptoms associated with DRUJ. Of these, 4 had functional restriction, which were related to complex DRUJ dislocations.

DRUJ dislocations are more common in fractures, which are in the direction of the interosseous membrane (p< 0.002). They are commonly associated in fractures involving the middle and distal third of the forearm. There is a tendency for under-reporting of DRUJ dislocations in fractures of both bones of forearm and hence, more attention should be paid to this entity.