Understanding Acute Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

Acute instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is often underestimated but can cause devastating loss of forearm and wrist form and function. These traumatic injuries can be caused by disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, the interosseous membrane, or fractures of the radius or ulna, and a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy involved is paramount to the adequate treatment of these injuries. While stable DRUJ instability can be treated with immobilization, often surgical intervention is required and is based on the anatomical restraints to the DRUJ that are disrupted.