Case report: Isolated acute dorsal distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation

Salah Tewfik Daradkeh; Basel Elayan; Yazan Tawfiq Daradkeh; Firas Salman Al Dabouby

doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107190

Case report: Isolated acute dorsal distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2022 Jun:95:107190. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107190. Epub 2022 May 11.

Authors

Salah Tewfik Daradkeh¹, Basel Elayan², Yazan Tawfiq Daradkeh³, Firas Salman Al Dabouby⁴

Affiliations

¹ Orthopedics and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery and Special Surgery, Yarmouk University, Jordan. Electronic address: salah.daradkeh@yu.edu.jo.
² Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Jordan.
³ Irbid Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Jordan.
⁴ Orthopedics and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University, Jordan.

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated acute distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation is a rare injury that should be early recognized and treated promptly to avoid the limitation and disability associated with delayed diagnosis and management.

Case presentation: We present a patient with a traumatic dorsal isolated DRUJ dislocation who was successfully treated with a closed reduction and k-wire pinning along with cast immobilization.

Discussion: Previous reports of distal radioulnar joint dislocation have described the mechanics of this injury as well as a guidance to diagnosis and treatment. Closed reduction, stabilization of wrist joint, and early mobilization of elbow joint can help in preserving the joint function and a faster recovery.

Conclusion: Closed reduction under general anesthesia, DRUJ stabilization by k-wire pinning, and above elbow casting can be successful in most cases. We recommend an early transition to below elbow cast to encourage early elbow range of motion and prevent joint stiffness.

Keywords: Case report; Closed reduction; Dislocation; Distal radioulnar joint; Kirschner-wire; Triangular fibrocartilaginous complex.