Radioulnar synostosis is a rare complication of forearm fractures. The formation of a bony bridge induces functional disability due to limitation of the pronosupination. Although the etiology of posttraumatic synostosis is unknown, it seems that the incidence is higher in patients who have suffered a concomitant neurological or burn trauma, and extensive soft tissue injury, mainly due to high-e...

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This can result in pain, instability, or tendon rupture. The goals of surgical reconstruction of the DRUJ are to relieve pain, stabilize the joint, and prevent tendon rupture. We review many of the previously described procedures and report our experience with distal ulna excision and soft tissue reconstruction with a dis...

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears are a common source of ulnar sided wrist pain. Originally described by Palmer, in 1981, as a complex of several structures, our understanding of the anatomy and the function of the TFCC has been refined by histologic studies. The TFCC plays an important role in load bearing across the wrist as well as in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stabilization...

Malunion of a distal radius fracture may result in functional limitation and pain. Reestablishing the geometry of the metaphysis and the alignment of the articular surface, restoring the relationship at the distal radioulnar joint, and respecting the soft-tissue envelope are elements of a successful reconstruction. The author describes a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment, includin...

In the diagnosis of ulnar wrist pain, physical examinations including provacative tests are primary elements in identifying the site and nature of ulnar wrist pain. Imagings techniques are helpful for diagnosing occult fractures and distal radioulnar subluxation, but unsatisfactory for diagnosing ulnocarpal impaction syndrome, tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and lunotriquetral li...

PURPOSE The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is considered a useful treatment option for distal radioulnar disorders. Postoperative instability of the proximal ulnar stump and radioulnar convergence, however, may be symptomatic. We modified the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure by stabilizing the proximal ulnar stump with a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon. We previously reported on 13 patients wi...

Congenital radioulnar synostosis, which is caused by fusion between the proximal end of the radius and ulna, is an uncommon deformity of the upper extremity. It is characterized by the forearm being fixed in some degree of pronation and patients present with a variety of functional limitations of the involved limb. This condition may lead to difficulties in daily activities, such as writing, ea...

Isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft are common forearm injuries. Although seemingly benign, they may be complicated by nonunion, radioulnar synostosis, and loss of motion. Unstable fractures are those that are displaced more than 50 percent, angulated more than 10 degrees, or are located in the proximal third of the ulna. Stable fractures are managed well with forearm bracing. Unstable fractu...