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J Wrist Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2617-6167
Case Report

Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation Following Radius Bridging Plate for DRF

Thibault Druel 
1   Department of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
,
Andras Barta 
2   Department of Radiology, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
,
Victor Rutka 
1   Department of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
,
Arnaud Walch 
1   Department of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Abstract

Background

This case report highlights two cases of progressive distal radioulnar joint dislocation following dorsal bridging plate (DBP) fixation for complex distal radius fractures (DRFs), a complication not previously documented in this situation.

Case Description

Both cases involved young patients with associated non-displaced basal ulnar styloid fractures, treated using DBP without addressing ulnar-sided lesions. Postoperative CT scan analysis revealed anterior translation of the distal radius metaphysis.

Literature Review/Clinical Relevance

The non-anatomic straight design of the plate, when associated with a destabilizing ulnar-sided lesion, may contribute to this complication by moving anteriorly the distal metaphysis of the radius. Further research is necessary to establish a causal relationship between the implant design and anterior translation of the distal radius metaphysis. In cases involving a combination of ulnar-sided wrist injuries and DBP management for DRF, it is advisable to address ulnar-sided wrist injuries during the initial management of DRF when using DBP.

Keywords

complex distal radius fracture - spanning plate - bridging plate - DRUJ dislocation


Publication History

Received: 22 January 2025

Accepted: 09 May 2025

Article published online:
11 June 2025

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