Enhanced stability of the distal radioulnar joint with double suture button construct: a cadaveric study

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is a common post-traumatic complication, often leading to chronic pain and dysfunction. Current reconstructive techniques, such as the single suture button construct, offer suboptimal stabilization in certain motions. This study aimed to evaluate whether a double suture button construct provides greater stability than the single construct in a cadaver model of DRUJ instability. We hypothesized that the double suture button construct would more effectively minimize dorsal translation of the radius relative to the ulna.

We used nine freshly frozen human cadaver upper extremities, destabilized the DRUJ, and then reconstructed the joint using three different suture button constructs: single transverse, double (transverse + oblique), and single oblique. The specimens were secured in a custom-designed testing apparatus to measure dorsal translation of the radius. The study proceeded in five stages: stable DRUJ, unstable DRUJ, and reconstruction using a single transverse, double (transverse + oblique), and single oblique suture button construct. Dorsal translation was measured at neutral, 45° pronation, and 45° supination. Statistical comparisons of mean values were conducted for each stage.

Reconstruction with the transverse, transverse plus oblique, and oblique suture button constructs resulted in statistically significant reductions in dorsal translation compared to the unstable DRUJ (p < 0.001 for all). The double-suture button construct significantly minimized dorsal translation in all positions, restoring stability comparable to a stable DRUJ: neutral (p = 1.000), pronation (p = 0.963), and supination (p = 1.000). In contrast, single constructs failed to fully restore stability in pronation and supination.

The double suture button construct provides significantly greater stabilization of the DRUJ compared to the single construct. These findings suggest that the double construct could be a more effective option for treating DRUJ instability, particularly in restoring normal joint function during various motions. Further research is warranted to confirm these results in clinical settings.