[Instability from the distal radioulnar joint: reconstruction and evolution of dorsal triangular fibrocartilage...

Dorsal and palmar radio ulnar ligaments are part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and are the principal stabilizer of this articulation. The distal radio ulnar joint provides not only pronation and supination to the forearm, but also it's basic for strength. The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional results of the dorsal radio ulnar joint ligament reconstruction in patient with distal radio ulnar instability. This is a prospective, longitudinal, experimental and auto-control assay. Functional preoperative data was analyzed, proper surgical technique and another findings. The patients were evaluated with a functional exploration, comparative dynamometry and DASH evaluation, they were also asked about their personal satisfaction. Between 1997 and 2004, this treatment was practiced in eleven patients (2 men and 9 women) with distal radio ulnar joint instability. With a mean age of 34.1 years. The dominant had was involved in 91% of patients. The mean complaint was pain for all patients, weakness in 9 patients and instability in 7. The mean follow up was 2 years 4 months, with a range from 6 months to 8 years. The patients refer totally satisfied, 8 of them, partially satisfied 2 and one patient insatisfied.