Solutions for the Unstable and Arthritic Distal Radioulnar Joint.

An unstable and osteoarthritic distal radioulnar joint presents with considerable functional impairment, pain, and weakness in gripping manipulation of objects. A wide variety of surgical alternatives have been described to address these concerns. Resection arthroplasties include different types of distal ulna resection and soft tissue procedures; good overall results have been described for these types of procedures, although they have shown limitations in achieving and maintaining pain relief and stability, especially in more active patients. Since the late 1980s, partial and total joint arthroplasties have emerged as good alternatives for treatment in young and more active patients.