Anatomic reconstruction of the distal radioulnar ligaments for chronic distal radiouinar joint instability / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo introduce the indications and operative procedure of anatomic reconstruction of the distal radioulnar ligaments in patients with chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint(DRUJ),and report its preliminary clinical results.Methods From October 2008 to June 2009,6 patients with instability of the DRUJ underwent anatomical reconstruction using a free palmaris longus tendon graft,including 4 males and 2 females with an average age of 22 years.A 5 cm dorsal incision was made between the fifth and sixth extensor compartments.An L-shaped flap was created in the DRUJ capsule.This flap is then elevated proximally to expose the articular surface of the DRUJ and the proximal triangular fibular cartilage complex(TFCC).A tunnel was made through the radius.The other tunnel was made between the ulnar neck and the fovea of the ulnar head.A whole-length palmaris longus tendon graft was taken.The volar opening of the radius tunnel was exposed through a longitudinal incision radial to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.One end of the graft was pulled to the palmar side easily through the tunnel.A hemostat was penetrated through the volar capsule to the volar side proximal to the remaining TFCC.The end of the graft was grasped with the hemostat and pulled back along this tract.Both graft limbs were passed through the ulnar tunnel to exit at the ulnar neck.One limb of the tendon was passed around the ulnar neck and deep to the ECU sheath.With the forearm in neutral rotation,the limbs were pulled taut,tied together,and secured with sutures.Immobilize the extremity in a long-arm plaster splint with the forearm in neutral position for 4 weeks,and changed to a short arm cast for an additional four weeks.ResultsThe average follow-up period for all 6 patients was 14 months(range,9-24).No infection and sensory nerve branch disturbance occurred.The pain symptom was reduced and the grip force was improved significantly.A functional evaluation was performed using the modified Mayo wrist scoring system.All patients had better wrist scores postoperatively in the short (mean,95) term compared to preoperatively(mean,69).Five patients satisfied with the final result.Conclusion Anatomic reconstruction of the distal radioulnar ligaments is indicated for chronic DRUJ instability without osteoarthritis,it is a reliable method with a very good short term follow up result.Restoration of the radioulnar ligaments offers the best possibility to restore the normal DRUJ primary constraints and kinematics.