Chronic volar distal radioulnar joint instability: joint capsular plication to restore function.

BACKGROUND: Volar instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is uncommon, and there is little written about it. The purpose of this study is to describe a new procedure to treat volar DRUJ instability and to present the outcomes of patients who received this unique surgical repair at a minimum of 1 year follow-up.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective case series of 6 consecutive patients treated with a volar and dorsal capsular plication procedure by an upper extremity specialist surgeon at a teaching hospital between April 1999 and October 2004. We evaluated measures, including wrist range of motion, grip strength, radiographs, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), at final follow-up.

RESULTS: Five of 6 patients had resolution of pain and instability symptoms. The average difference in range of motion between operative and contralateral sides was -7 degrees flexion, 2 degrees extension, 4 degrees radial deviation, 2 degrees ulnar deviation, -17 degrees supination and -2 degrees pronation. Average grip strength measured 83% of the uninjured side. The average DASH score was 13.5 (range 0-46.7), and the average PRWE score was 26.7 (range 0-70). One patient had a low ulnar neuropathy, which resolved. One patient fractured the temporary DRUJ stabilization screw and had radiographic evidence of nonbridging heterotopic ossification.

CONCLUSION: Joint capsular plication for DRUJ has not yet been described in the literature. It is less elaborate in that it does not require a tendon graft with bone tunnels. The results at an average 16.5 months postoperatively are promising.