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Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Subluxation: Types, Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Exercises

What is Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation?[1]

The term luxation means total dislocation whereas subluxation means partial dislocation. A subluxation occurs due to partial displacement of articular surfaces but retaining some contact with each other.

The joint located at the wrist between the ulna and the radius which are the bones of the forearm is known as the distal radioulnar joint. Generally, the injury causing distal radioulnar joint subluxation could be simple in nature but this often causes fracture to either of the bones.

Partial dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint or partial dislocation of DRUJ without a fracture is known as distal radioulnar joint subluxation. DRUJ Subluxation is not easy to perceive on initial presentation as there is no visible appearance of positional deformity.

Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Subluxation

Types of Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation

There are two types of distal radioulnar joint subluxation, which are known as:

  • Simple dislocation of distal radioulnar joint.
  • Complex dislocation of distal radioulnar joint.
  • Simple Dislocation of Distal Radioulnar Joint: This type of dislocation is very simple in nature. A Simple dislocation of distal radioulnar joint can be reduced on its own or by closing it with minimal effort.
  • Complex Dislocation of Distal Radioulnar Joint: This type of dislocation is very complex in nature. Complex dislocation often involves easily subluxable or dislocatible or irreducible joint resulting from interposition of the extensorcarpi ulnaris tendon, the ruptured triangular fibrocartilage ligaments, the extensors of the ring and little fingers and the extensor digiti minimi tendon. Majority of the complex distal radioulnar joint dislocations are frequently associated with ulnar styloid fracture and high-energy injuries.

Causes of Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation

  • Distal Radioulnar joint subluxation or partial dislocation is caused by falling down on outstretched hands.
  • Distal Radioulnar joint subluxation or DRUJ subluxation may also be caused due to oversupination, which means turning the palm in the upwards direction during the fall, and overpronation, which means turning the palm in downwards direction, forces resulting from the falls on the wrist or hand.
  • Subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint or DRUJ, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, and midcarpal instability may also occur by traumatic fall or by performing repetitive movements in sports such as golf, racquet sports and gymnastics.
  • Injuries like hypersupination and hyperpronation injuries may also cause isolated dislocation.

Signs and Symptoms of Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation[4]

  • Wrist pain after the trauma is the most common symptom of distal radioulnar joint subluxation or DRUJ subluxation.
  • Development of swelling.
  • Feeling of tenderness while touching the wrist is also one of the symptoms of Distal Radioulnar joint subluxation or DRUJ subluxation. Pain with turning over of the hand.
  • Pain during movements of the hand.
  • Wrist may become deformed.
  • Excessive prominence of the ulnar head.
  • Narrowing of the wrist when compared to the unaffected wrist.
  • Difficulty while moving the wrist.

Treatment for Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation[2]

Nonsurgical Treatment of Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation

Simple DRUJ subluxation is treated conservatively, which involves immobilization of the joint for six weeks in a cast. The position of the forearm while casting depends upon the type of dislocation i.e., ulnar dorsal dislocation or ulnar volar dislocation.

There are cases where closed reduction is required to treat distal radioulnar joint subluxation or DRUJ subluxation where the joint moves out from its normal position and impairs use of arm or wrists. Closed reduction involves nonsurgical reduction of the joint under local anesthesia to restore it to its normal position. Once the joint is aligned back to its normal position, a cast or splint may be applied. Additional percutaneous K-wire fixation is sometimes used if the joint does not retain its normal position even after reduction.

Surgical Treatment of Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation

In some cases of acute DRUJ subluxation where manual therapy fails, surgery is warranted. This procedure is called as open reduction. Surgery to treat distal radioulnar joint subluxation or DRUJ subluxation is done by making a small incision to look at the fracture and get it back to its usual position by sometimes using devices such as pins, screws, etc. Surgical procedures have risks of bleeding, neurovascular damage, etc.

Physical Therapy for Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation:

Physical therapy is imperative for speedier healing and restoring adequate function of wrist and hands following DRUJ subluxation like:

  • Joint mobilizations.
  • Soft tissue massages.
  • Dry needling.
  • Electrotherapy.
  • Bracing.
  • Ice/heat.
  • Improving strength and flexibility through exercises.
  • Activity retraining.
  • Plans for returning to activity.

Exercises for Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation or DRUJ Subluxation

Exercises to strengthen up the joints is needed while recovering to obtain full motion of the joint.

Stretching Exercises for Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation

  • Flexion: To do this exercise, the wrist is bent forward until it is painless. It is held like this for 10 seconds. It is done 15 times at least twice.
  • Extension: To do this exercise, the wrist is bent backwards until it is painless. It is held like this for 10 seconds. It is done 15 times at least twice.
  • Side to Side: To do this exercise, the wrist is moved sideways until it is painless. It is held like this for 10 seconds. It is done 15 times at least twice.

Strengthening Exercises for Distal Radioulnar Joint Subluxation

  • Wrist Flexion: To do this exercise, any object resembles a handle can be used and is to be held with palms in upward direction. Then wrist is bent upwards and the weight is steadily decreased. It is done twice with at least 15 times each with gradually increasing the weight of the object.
  • Wrist Extension: To do this exercise, any object resembles a handle can be used and is to be held with palms in downward direction. Then wrist is bent upwards and the weight is steadily decreased. It is done twice with at least 15 times each with gradually increasing the weight of the object
  • Grip Strengthening: For this, a soft object is chosen which can be squeezed as much as possible without aggravating pain. It has to be done for 10 seconds and repeated at least 10 times.

Investigations to Diagnose Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Subluxation[3]

A detailed examination is done for a distal radioulnar joint subluxation. X-rays are done to look for other fractures. Other tests that can be conducted include:

References:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:October 28, 2020

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