Diagnosis and Treatment of Longitudinal Instability of the Forearm

Abstract

Radio-ulnar dissociation can result from high-injury trauma that the compressive forces traverse the wrist forearm and elbow. This injury can be thought of as an "unhappy triad" of radial head fracture, triangular fibrocartilage complex failure, and a tear of the interosseous membrane. The radius is the primary stabilizer of the forearm with the forearm interosseous membrane enabling load sharing between the radius and the ulna. The central one-third of the interosseous membrane is 3 times stronger than the membranous portion and approaches the strength of the anterior cruciate ligament for determining interosseous membrane injury. Imaging studies with proven diagnostic efficacy include magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. Surgical treatment should be considered when circumstances imply longitudinal instability of the forearm. Surgical treatment includes open reduction/internal fixation or prosthetic replacement of the radial head as well as repair of the disrupted triangular fibrocartilage complex. Successful treatment of radioulnar dissociation is predicated on early diagnosis of the condition.