Sigmoid notch osteotomy for posttraumatic dorsal dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint: A case report

Instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is associated most commonly with injury to the soft-tissue restraints of that joint, particularly the triangular fibrocartilage complex. The dorsal rim of the sigmoid notch, however, also plays an important role as a bony restraint to dorsal subluxation. We report a case of posttraumatic dorsal dislocation of the DRUJ associated with a depressed fracture of the dorsal rim of the sigmoid notch. This was treated with soft-tissue release and corrective osteotomy of the dorsal rim of the sigmoid notch to restore DRUJ stability and congruency.