Reconstruction of the DRUJ in a young adult after resection of a large exostosis of the distal radius

Abstract

The prevalence of known solitary exostosis is around 1–2 % in the general population. Treatment of an exostosis may consist of resection with or without further treatment for deformity. The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) acts as the link between radius and ulna at the wrist and is important in the transmission of load. Its anatomic integrity should be respected in surgical procedures or ulnar-sided wrist pain because of instability, limitation of forearm rotation and potential development of grip weakness may develop. We present a case of reconstruction of the DRUJ with distraction lengthening of the ulna after resection of a large exostosis of the distal radius that had resulted in a malformed and dysplastic ulna. This treatment in a young patient resulted in a stable, functional and congruent distal radioulnar joint.