Isolated Dislocation of the Distal Radioulna Joint: An Unrecognized Emergency

Abstract

Dislocation of the isolated distal radioulna joint (DRUJ) is rare. The clinical and radiological signs are not suggestive, making diagnosis difficult and sometimes late. Care remains disparate for both recent and neglected forms. To illustrate the management of these lesions in light of data from literature, we report two cases of isolated dislocation of the distal radioulna joint. The first patient was a 22-year-old woman who presented with a recent palmar traumatic dislocation of the left DRUJ whose reduction followed by immobilization restored the function and mobility of the wrist. The second patient was a 34-year-old man with dorsal dislocation from the DRUJ who received Sauvé-Kapandji intervention, with a markedimprovement in wrist mobility. DRUJ dislocations must be diagnosed and reduced early as neglected or recurrent lesions require surgery. For this case, intervention with Sauvé-Kapandji had a good result. Keywords: Dislocation, Distal Radioulna, Sauvé-Kapandji, Surgery, Wrist