Disorders of the distal radioulnar joint.

Overview

Disorders of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) are relatively common and often associated with the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Anatomically and biomechanically, the DRUJ should be considered in the broader context of the forearm joint, which has both distal and proximal articulations. Clinical examination is the best method of evaluating trauma to the DRUJ or DRUJ instability, although the clinical appearance of disorders may be subtle and imaging studies may be difficult to interpret. Arthroscopy is the best tool for evaluating the integrity of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Although acute and chronic disorders of the triangular fibrocartilage complex can be treated arthroscopically, chronic DRUJ instability may require tenodesis reconstruction. Salvage of a DRUJ with degenerative arthritis generally requires resection arthrodesis. Implant arthroplasty has recently received attention, but further scrutiny of mid- and long-term results is needed.