Acute dislocations of the distal radioulnar joint

An injury to the DRUJ can occur in association with almost any fracture of the forearm or as an isolated phenomenon. A dislocation of this joint may be simple or complex. Constant awareness must be maintained during treatment of injuries of the wrist, forearm, and elbow if common pitfalls are to be avoided. Failure to diagnose and treat a complex DRUJ dislocation will lead to chronic, persistent subluxations or dislocations, or both, and to symptomatic osteoarthrosis. Failure to recognize a simple dislocation of the DRUJ associated with a fracture of the forearm may result in inappropriate or inadequate immobilization of the dislocated joint after internal fixation of the fracture. As a consequence, the injured TFCC may not heal, leading to recurrent post-operative instability. After either a simple or a complex dislocation of the DRUJ has been recognized, the treatment is relatively straightforward and rewarding. Despite the severity of these injuries, with proper diagnosis and management most patients will have a satisfactory outcome.