Accessibility Tools

What is Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Instability?

Distal radioulnar joint instability is the abnormal orientation or movement of the radius and ulna bones at the wrist in relation to one another. Injury to the tendons, ligaments and/or muscles stabilising the joint may cause partial or complete dislocation.

Anatomy

The articular surface of the radius bone referred to as the ulnar notch, and the head of the ulna bone form the distal radioulnar joint. A complex structure called the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) contributes to wrist stability.

Symptoms

A deformed wrist may be a sign of DRUJ instability. Other symptoms include:

  • Wrist pain
  • Inflammation
  • Weakness
  • Decreased range of motion

Risk Factors

The common risk factors include:

  • Trauma
  • Fall on an outstretched hand
  • Congenital bone defects
  • Sports such as baseball, racquetball or tennis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will assess your symptoms, take your medical history, and perform a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI or CT-scans may be ordered.

Diagnosis is confirmed in the following cases:

  • Injury to the TFCC
  • Widening of the joint space between the radius and ulna 

Treatment

Non-surgical Treatment

Your doctor will prescribe pain medication as needed. Use of ice packs may be suggested to reduce inflammation. Other non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Massage therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Immobilisation by a splint or cast

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is recommended by your doctor if you do not respond to non-surgical treatment options, and involves the following:

  • The surgery may be performed under general or local anaesthesia.
  • A few small incisions are made at the wrist near the radioulnar joint.
  • An arthroscope, a small, fibre-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera, is inserted. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a large monitor, allowing your surgeon to look for any damage, assess the type of injury and repair the problem.
  • Debridement, or cleaning out the damaged tissue, is performed by your surgeon.
  • K-wires are used to suture the separated ligament.
  • The incision is closed, and a bandage is applied.
  • NHS
  • The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • 
British Elbow & Shoulder Society
  • Swor and D

Hospitals Attended

  • Stratford Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Arden St, Stratford-upon-Avon,
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • Nuffield Health
    Warwickshire Hospital

    The Chase, Old Milverton Lane
    Leamington Spa
    CV32 6RW
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • Warwick Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Lakin Road, Warwick,
    CV34 5BW
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • The Grafton Suite,
    Building One

    Stratford Hospital, Arden Street
    Stratford-upon-Avon
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • The Cherwell Hospital

    Oxford Rd, Banbury
    OX16 9FG
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

    (NHS)

    (Private)
  • Spire Parkway (Solihull)

    1 Damson Pkwy,
    Solihull B91 2PP,
    United Kingdom
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nuffield Health
  • 
The Grafton Suite - South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Swor and D
  • Swor and D