Current perspectives in conventional and advanced imaging of the distal radioulnar joint dysfunction: review for the musculoskeletal radiologist

Skeletal Radiol. 2019 Mar;48(3):331-348. doi: 10.1007/s00256-018-3042-1. Epub 2018 Sep 1.

Abstract

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dysfunction is a common cause of ulnar sided wrist pain. Physical examination yields only subtle clues towards the underlying etiology. Thus, imaging is commonly obtained towards an improved characterization of DRUJ pathology, especially multimodality imaging, which is frequently resorted to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. With increasing use of advanced MRI and CT techniques, DRUJ imaging has become an important part of a musculoskeletal radiologist's practice. This article discusses the normal anatomy and biomechanics of the DRUJ, illustrates common clinical abnormalities, and provides a comprehensive overview of the imaging evaluation with an insight into the role of advanced cross-sectional modalities in this domain.

Keywords: CT; DRUJ; Distal radioulnar joint; Dynamic imaging; Instability; MRI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Diagnostic Imaging / trends*
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations / physiopathology
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Instability / physiopathology
  • Wrist Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wrist Injuries / physiopathology
  • Wrist Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wrist Joint / physiopathology