On Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint Stability following Distal Radial Fracture

Objective To analyze the relationship between wrist function following distal radial fracture and the stability of distal radio-ulnar joint stability(DRUJ),to assess the reason affecting the stability of DRUJ after distal radial fracture.Methods Totally 54 patients with distal radius fracture were treated non-surgically and followed up for mean 9(8～10) months.All patients had their wrist joints and DRUJ detected for their stability and undergone functional and radiographic evaluation by Gartland and Werley scoring system.Results There were 17 patients with DRUJ instability,patients with DRUJ instability following distal radial fracture had a worse Gartland and Werley score.No significant difference was found regarding Gartland and Werley score between 2 groups ( P 0.05).With the ulnar styloid fracture has no obvious impact to DRUJ stability.Conclusion Injury to the triangle fibrocartilagious complex following the distal radial fracture with obvious displaced deformity may be the main cause of the instability of DRUJ,while the ulnar styloid fracture following distal radial fracture has no obvious impact to DRUJ stability.