Long-term outcome of isolated diaphyseal radius fractures with and without dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint.

PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that there are no differences between apparently isolated fractures of the radial diaphysis and isolated fractures of the radial diaphysis with concomitant dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in function, disability, and DRUJ stability more than 13 years after near-anatomic open reduction with plate and screw fixation.

METHODS

We evaluated 17 adult patients with a diaphyseal fracture of the radius without a fracture of the ulna an average of 19 years after surgery (range, 13-33 y). Of these patients, 7 had concomitant dislocation of the DRUJ (Galeazzi fracture). At the long-term follow-up, we evaluated function with several composite scores, stability of the DRUJ, and arm-specific disability by using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire.

RESULTS

The average scores were 96 (range, 85-100) on the Mayo Modified Wrist Score, 95 (range, 80-100) on the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, and 5 (range, 0-33) on the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. There were no significant differences between patients with and without DRUJ dislocation. No patients had greater laxity of the DRUJ than the opposite uninjured side.

CONCLUSIONS

Near-anatomic open reduction and internal fixation of diaphyseal radius fractures with and without associated DRUJ dislocation have comparable long-term results.