Treatment of Chronic Dislocation of the Distal Radioulnar Joint: Comparative Studies Between Reconstruction and Resection of the Distal Ulna

Abstract

From January 1981 until March 1990, a total of 32 cases of chronic dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint was treated surgically, and the follow-up results were compared between the group which underwent reconstruction and those who had resection of the distal ulna (the Darrach operation). The results obtained were as follows: (1) there was marked postoperative improvement in pain, range of motion, and grip strength in all 32 cases, and (2) in comparing the long-term follow-up results between the reconstruction (13 cases) and Darrach operation groups (19 cases), relief from pain was marked in the former, while the range of motion and grip strength scores were similar in both groups. It was concluded that the distal ulnar head and distal radioulnar joint were singularly important in preservation of normal wrist function. While various methods of treatment of distal radioulnar derangement are available, the results of reconstruction surgery are more favorable than those of the Darrach operation.