title: Computed tomographic assessment of reduction of the distal radioulnar joint by gradual lengthening of the radius.
abstract: Congruency of the distal radioulnar joint was assessed by computed tomography after gradual lengthening of the radius in patients with considerable ulnar positive variance of mean 12 (range 10-17) mm and chronic dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Six patients of mean age 25 years were treated by radial osteotomy and subsequent gradual lengthening using either a single-rod or a half-ring external fixator, which was applied for a mean of 81 days. The causes of deformity were distal radial epiphyseal injury in four, malunion of a radius shaft fracture in one and Madelung deformity in one. Computed tomography scans taken at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated that all patients had a congruent distal radioulnar joint. All patients achieved symptom and radiographic parameter improvements at a mean follow-up of 40 months. A disadvantage was unattractive scars on a cosmetically important surface of the forearm. Given a relatively intact bony contour of the distal radioulnar joint, congruent reduction of the distal radioulnar joint can be obtained by gradual lengthening of the radius.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. hsgong@snu.ac.kr
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Y W
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Roh
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Baek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001852:Bone Lengthening; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014457:Ulna / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult