Isolated traumatic dorsal dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint. Report of seven cases

The authors report seven cases of isolated dorsal dislocations of the distal radio-ulnar joint. Four were recent dislocations and three were old, chronic dislocations. Acute dislocations were treated surgically. An anatomic study on human cadavers enabled us to define the injuries responsible for radio-ulnar dislocations. An electromyographic study of the extensor carpi ulnaris confirmed its role as a dynamic stabilizer of the ulnar head. Two of the three old dislocations were revised after an attempt at ligamentous reconstruction. These patients benefitted from a resection of the ulnar head. The third patient one underwent a Sauve-Kapandji procedure. Cadaver studies underline the fact that ligamentous reconstruction procedures are actually tenodeses.