Progressive Distal Radius Deformity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Abstract

Case: We report a case of progressive angular deformity of the left wrist in a 4-year-old girl with a 2-year history of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-oligoarthritis subtype (<4 joints affected) with inflammatory extensor tenosynovitis affecting the left wrist, who underwent a left distal radius osteotomy with tricortical allograft for angular correction and functional recovery. Six years postoperatively, the patient demonstrates a near-anatomic left wrist and has recovered full range of motion and function. Conclusion: This case demonstrates how rare clinically devastating angular deformities in JIA may safely and effectively be surgically managed to promote normal, long-term, extremity function.