Modification of the use of the extensor retinaculum for reducible distal radioulnar joint instability: technique and results

Different surgical techniques have been described for chronic distal radioulnar joint instability: they are often complicated, quite invasive and may not be recommended for bidirectional instability. We describe a procedure using a radial-based extensor retinaculum strip and a capsular plication. This is a simple technique and less invasive than ‘anatomic’ radioulnar ligament reconstructions. We report the results of 38 patients (38 wrists) who we treated. After a minimum of 8 months we quantified the outcomes of the patients objectively by assessing ranges of motion, grip strength and clinical assessment of stability, and subjectively using questionnaires. Overall, 36 out of 38 patients were stable after surgery. The operated forearm and wrist had approximately 3° less range of motion in all planes and 3 kgf less grip strength compared with the unoperated side. The median Mayo modified wrist score was 90; the median visual analogue scale score was 2. This surgical technique appears to successfully treat patients with chronic reducible distal radioulnar joint instability. Anatomic reconstruction of both radioulnar ligaments is not always necessary. Level of evidence: IV