Total distal radioulnar joint replacement for symptomatic joint instability or arthritis

Distal radioulnar joint instability can be caused by injury, arthritis or failure of previous surgery. The wrist can become swollen and painful, which often limits hand movement and grip strength.

Initial treatment includes rest, analgesia and corticosteroid injections. If symptoms do not respond to conservative measures, surgical options include excision of the ulnar head or ulnar head replacement. Another option is to fuse the ulnar head to the radius and excise a small segment of bone proximal to the joint, to allow the hand to turn over.