Operative Stabilization of Distal Radius Fractures Presenting With Ulnar Head Subluxation/Dislocation Addresses Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability Without Further Stabilization Procedures.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of ulnar head subluxation/dislocation in distal radius fracture and to discuss management, surgical outcomes, and relevant anatomy. Urban tertiary care hospital. Two hundred seventy-one patients with displaced distal radius fractures undergoing surgical management were reviewed to determine the incidence of ulnar head subluxation or dislocation using the Mino criteria defined by Mino et al. Postoperative computed tomography and radiographs were assessed for sigmoid notch and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) reduction and fracture healing. Range of motion, functional limitation, and pain were documented at final outcome. Of the 271 cases, there were 8 cases of prereduction DRUJ subluxation/dislocation, including 2 frank dislocations and 6 subluxations (2.95%). All were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal radius with a volar locked plate. In addition, 1 patient underwent ORIF of an associated distal ulnar shaft fracture and another, who had a grade 1 open fracture over the distal ulna, underwent open TFCC repair. The remaining 6 patients had closed reduction of the DRUJ without further stabilizing procedures. All had stable DRUJ joints following ORIF, both intra-operatively and at final follow-up. All ulnar heads were located within the DRUJ on post-op computed tomography; using the more sensitive radioulnar ratio there was residual ulnar head subluxation in 5/8 patients. Range of motion and functional outcome were excellent at an average of 133 weeks postoperatively. The DRUJ was stable at long-term follow-up in all patients. Ulnar head subluxation/dislocation is an uncommon injury in the setting of distal radius fracture. When present, it can usually be treated effectively with operative stabilization of the distal radius fracture without further stabilizing procedures. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.