title: Arthroscopy of the distal radioulnar joint.
abstract: Wrist arthroscopy is now widely indicated for diagnosis and treatment of acute or chronic wrist pain, especially for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, as a gold standard. In most cases radiocarpal and midcarpal arthroscopy was performed, while DRUJ arthroscopy has been rarely performed because of its difficulties. Recent anatomic and biomechanical studies demonstrated that the radioulnar ligament (RUL), which is the proximal component of the TFCC facing to the DRUJ, is the primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Rupture of the radioulnar ligament (RUL) at the fovea area, where it is the main attaching portion to the ulna and is the isometric point during forearm rotation as the rotation axis passes, is responsible for DRUJ instability. Although physical examination and imaging diagnosis may indicate a foveal detachment of the TFCC, DRUJ arthroscopy is potential for visualizing the RUL at the fovea. Role of DRUJ arthroscopy should be more important not only for diagnosis of rupture of the RUL but also for decision making of treatment option for RUL tear. DRUJ arthroscopy also demonstrates the joint surface of both the sigmoid notch and ulnar head, and the proximal surface of the TFCC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Research Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Sanno Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Matsumura
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iwamoto
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Toyama
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D011884:Radius / Q000601:surgery*; D012421:Rupture; D051478:Triangular Fibrocartilage / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D014457:Ulna / Q000601:surgery*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*