Chronic Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation: A Case Report

Abstract

Dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) usually occurs associated with a distal radius fracture. An isolated dislocation, without a radius fracture, is a rare situation. We present a case of neglected isolated DRUJ dislocation in a 30-year-old manual laborer. The treatment was performed 4 months after the initial injury. Open reduction and fixation were performed. This resulted in a stable, pain-free joint, and the patient resumed his previous work. Surgical techniques of foveal reattachment and dorsal capsuloplasty have been described for chronic DRUJ instability. An isolated and dislocated DRUJ is an uncommon injury that may be misdiagnosed and initially mistreated. There haven't been many reports in the literature of a case such as this.

Keywords

• chronic
• dislocation
• distal radioulnar joint
• wrist