Locked Distal Ulna Volar Dislocation Associated with a Malunited Fracture of the Distal Radius

Abstract

Background The volar dislocation of the distal ulna is an uncommon injury and often missed due to its rarity. If diagnosed early, it can be managed with a simple closed reduction followed by immobilization. Open reduction is recommended in case of any interposition preventing reduction.

Case Description In this case report, we present a rare case of neglected volar distal ulna dislocation associated with a distal radius fracture presenting with a fixed supination deformity that was managed successfully with a Sauvé- Kapandji procedure using a modified approach to restore forearm rotation. At 10 months, the patient had a good union at the distal radio ulnar joint (DRUJ) with improved forearm rotations.

Literature Review To our knowledge no previous cases of neglected volar distal ulna dislocation with distal radius fracture has been reported in the literature.

Clinical Relevance If DRUJ stability cannot be restored after closed reduction of distal radius fracture, open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture should always be performed to avoid subsequent DRUJ subluxation/dislocations.

Keywords

distal radioulnar joint - locked volar dislocation - volar distal ulna dislocation - supination - Sauvé-Kapandji procedure

Institution (Affiliated and Place of Study)-

Department of Hand Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Byrasandra, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560011, India

Declaration of Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the preparation, research, authorship, and/or publication of this manuscript.

Declaration of Ethical Approval for Study

This study is exempted from ethical approval.

Statement of Consent

The patient was informed about the publication and consent was obtained regarding the same.

Publication History

Received: 25 May 2022

Accepted: 18 November 2022

Article published online:
20 January 2023

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