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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 2/2017

Open Access 01-04-2017 | Original Article

Clinical DRUJ instability does not influence the long-term functional outcome of conservatively treated distal radius fractures

Authors: M. M. E. Wijffels, P. Krijnen, I. B. Schipper

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Objective

The presence of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability remains often unnoticed initially, but may worsen functional outcome of distal radius fractures (DRF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of concurring clinical DRUJ instability on the outcome of conservatively treated DRF.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, all unilateral, conservatively treated DRF patients were invited for physical examination, CT scan of both wrists and filling out questionnaires. Static and dynamic DRUJ instability were clinically tested.

Results

Forty-nine DRF patients with a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (SD 0.5) were assessed. Seventeen patients tested positive for DRUJ instability. No differences were found in baseline characteristics between the DRUJ stable and unstable group. Apart from wrist flexion, no statistical significant differences in outcome was found between patients with and without DRUJ instability.

Conclusion

The presence of clinical DRUJ instability does not seem to affect functional outcome of conservatively treated distal radius fractures at long-term follow-up.
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Metadata
Title
Clinical DRUJ instability does not influence the long-term functional outcome of conservatively treated distal radius fractures
Authors
M. M. E. Wijffels
P. Krijnen
I. B. Schipper
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-015-0627-4

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