Distal Radioulnar Joint Locking with Bipolar Injury

Abstract

Background Locking of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) induces restriction of the active and passive motion of pronation or supination of the forearm. Diagnosis of DRUJ locking due to a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear is sometimes difficult.

Case Description A 15-year-old female suffered from restriction of forearm supination after cast immobilization for the treatment of an elbow injury. The active and passive range of motion (ROM) of supination was 30 degrees, while the active ROM of pronation was normal. Radiographs of the elbow showed a fracture of the medial epicondyle and a fracture around the radial head. Radiographs of the wrist showed a subluxation of the ulnar head. Accurate diagnosis of supination restriction was difficult before surgery, so an operation was performed for the diagnosis and treatment. DRUJ locking was reduced manually and arthroscopic findings showed central perforation of the TFCC. Forearm supination improved to 90 degrees postoperatively.

Literature Review DRUJ locking due to a TFCC injury is rare and this condition with bipolar injury has not been reported.

Clinical Relevance DRUJ locking due to an injured TFCC should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of supination contracture.

Keywords

bipolar injury - DRUJ locking - DRUJ blocking - locking - triangular fibrocartilage complex

Note

This work was performed at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine.

Ethical Approval

Informed consent has been obtained from the patient and her parents for publication.

Publication History

Received: 14 March 2021

Accepted: 09 December 2021

Article published online:
20 January 2022

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