title: Irreducible fracture-dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint secondary to entrapment of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon.
abstract: Entrapment of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon between the ulnar head and the sigmoid notch of the radius occurred in a 12-year-old boy. This led to an irreducible dorsal dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Irreducible DRUJ dislocations are uncommon, and the entrapped ECU has not been previously described in a skeletally immature patient. The physical and roentgenographic findings of a dorsally displaced ulna, a widened DRUJ, and the inability to obtain a closed reduction should alert the examiner to the need for exploration. A dorsal exposure is required to free the ECU and reconstruct the triangular fibrocartilage complex.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Louis University Medical Center, Missouri.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Hanel
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Scheid
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*