Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation
The distal radioulna joint is the joint at the wrist, between the Radius and the Ulna - the two forearm bones. This injury may be a simple subluxation, although fractures of either bone are often involved.
Symptoms of Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxations
- Pain in the wrist after a specific trauma.
- Pain on turning the hand over.
- The wrist usually appears deformed.
- The head of the ulna is more prominent and the wrist may appear narrower than the other one.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness when touching the wrist.
Causes
The most common cause of a radioulnar joint dislocation is a fall onto an outstretched hand. It may also occur following a force to the hand or wrist which either oversupinates (turns the palm of the hand up) or overpronates (turns the palm down).
Isolated dislocations are most likely to occur from hyperpronation or hypersupination injuries. A fall on to the outstretched hand is more likely to occur in conjunction with fractures to either or both of the bones.
Treatment
- If a wrist dislocation is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
- An X-ray will be used to confirm the diagnosis and to check for any fractures.
- Simple dislocations are usually quite straightforward to reduce (put back into place).
- The wrist and forearm should then be immobilised for 6 weeks to allow all soft tissues to heal.
- A rehabilitation programme will then be required to regain full wrist movement and strength.
- For more complex dislocations, surgery may be necessary to reduce the bones and pin any fractures, holding the bones in place whilst they heal.
- Again the joint is immobilised, before a rehabilitation programme is commenced.
