The Original Anatomic Reconstruction of Palmar and Dorsal Radioulnar Ligaments for Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

Abstract

Thirty years ago, the first anatomic reconstruction of the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments for chronic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability was proposed by Sanders. In this surgical technique, the midpoint of a free tendon autograft is firmly secured in a bony tunnel at the ulnar fovea. The 2 graft limbs anchored at the fovea traverse the DRUJ and are securely woven into the periarticular soft tissues radially, reproducing the ligamentous anatomy while not overconstraining the joint. This report documents the original anatomic DRUJ reconstruction technique described by Sanders and our procedure modifications.

Keywords: Anatomic distal radioulnar joint reconstruction; distal radioulnar joint instability; surgical technique; triangular fibrocartilage complex disruption; ulnar-sided wrist pain.