Abstract
Background Surgical management of the painful, arthritic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) remains
challenging, particularly in young, active patients.
Description of Technique Following exposure of the DRUJ through a dorsal longitudinal incision over the DRUJ,
suture anchors are evenly placed around the sigmoid notch. The sutures are threaded
through the dermal allograft to secure the graft into the sigmoid notch. The volar
edges of the allograft are passed from radial to ulnar underneath the distal ulna
and secured to the remaining allograft dorsally, reducing the DRUJ and creating a
stable interposition arthroplasty.
Patients, Methods, and Results We present a case report of a young, manual laborer who had significant improvement
in pain, range of motion, and grip strength 6 months following interposition arthroplasty
at the DRUJ. He was able to return to work after completing his rehabilitation following
surgery.
Conclusions Dermal allograft interposition arthroplasty may provide reliable pain relief while
maintaining pronosupination and stability of the DRUJ in the appropriately selected
patient, without the need for lifting restrictions.
Keywords
allograft - interposition arthroplasty - DRUJ - arthritis
