Distal Radioulnar Joint Pain Research Articles

Results of external fixator treatment in distal radius intra-articular fractures

Objectives: Assessing the outcomes of treatment of the radius distal end joint fractures by using the closed reduction external fixation method. Methods: 41 intra-articular distal radius fractures of 38 patients treated in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology in the Medical Faculty of Trakya University between September 1997 and December 2004 were retrospectively examined. All of the fractures were treated by using closed reduction and uniplanar radiocarpal external wrist fixator. The affected limbs were assessed functionally and radiologically during the follow-up period. Results: Mean duration of external fixation application was 7.3 weeks. Mean follow-up time was 41.6 months. From the functional aspect, very good outcomes were obtained in 10 cases, good outcomes in 14 cases, medium outcomes in 15 cases, and bad outcomes in 2 cases. In radiologic scoring, very good outcomes were reported in 3 cases, good outcomes in 28 cases, medium outcomes in 8 cases, and bad outcomes in 2 cases. In total, 22 complications were observed. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy was observed in 15 cases, pain in the distal radioulnar joint in 8 cases, pain in distal radioulnar joint, and eburnation in 4 cases. In some cases, multiple complications were observed. There were also cases with early-stage sensation disorder and nail tip sensitivity. However, the complaints ended after the removal of the fixator. Conclusion: In intra-articular distal radius fractures, successful outcomes might be achieved by treating with external fixation without opening the fracture line.

The outcome of conservative treatment of adult distal radius fractures compared with the other wrist: radiological and functional evaluation

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate anatomical and functional results of closed reduction-long arm cast treatment for distal radius fractures and compared other healthy wrist in the adults. Methods: 77 patients with distal radius fracture were treated conservatively between January 2010 and December 2010. The fractures were classified according to AO and Frykman classification system and investigated prospectively. The radiological and anatomical results were assessed by the Stewart score criteria. The functional results were assessed by Quick-Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Q-DASH) and the Stewart II score criteria. The mean follow-up of patients was 12 months. Results: The forty patients had right wrist fractured, 37 patients had left wrist fractured. According to Frykman classification 46 patients were type I-II fractured, according to AO classification 59 patients were type 23,A2,1 and 23,A2,2 fractured. According to Stewart the radiological and anatomical, the result were excellent in 57, good in 17, fair in 3. According to Stewart II functional criteria, the results were assessed excellent in 57, good in 8, fair in 12 The mean Q-DASH score was 6,37. The overall complication rate was 12.98%. Mild Carpal tunnel syndrome was observed in the two patients, ulna styloid nonunion in the four patients, pain of distal radioulnar joint in the one patient, mild carpal tunnel syndrome and tenderness of distal radioulnar joint in the three patients. Conclusion: Closed reduction and cast immobilization is still an effective and inexpensive treatment method in distal radial fractures. J Clin Exp Invest 2014; 5 (3): 403-409

Salvage procedure for failed Bowers' hemiresection interposition technique in the distal radioulnar joint

Three patients who continued to have distal radioulnar joint pain following Bowers' hemiresection interposition technique were treated by converting the resection arthroplasty into a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. The resected 10 mm segment from the distal ulnar metaphysis was used as an interposition bone graft in the arthrodesis site, placed between the sigmoid notch of the radius and distal end of the ulna. After a minimum follow-up of 3 years, all three patients were satisfied with the procedure, were pain-free, and the preoperative range of wrist and forearm motion had increased. All three returned to their previous working activities.

Arthroscopy of the Distal Radioulnar Joint

Arthroscopy of the distal radioulnar joint is challenging. Its indications are evolving. When the experienced hand surgeon believes that the procedure is justified, unusual discoveries may be made. Patients with distal radioulnar joint pain who remain a diagnostic challenge before arthroscopy may sometimes be helped by the results of arthroscopy of this small joint.