Comparison of Treatment Options for Acute Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial

This is a prospective randomized control trial comparing three methods of treatment for acute DRUJ instability with or without concomitant distal radius fracture. Upon determination of residual DRUJ instability either preoperatively or intraoperatively after distal radius fracture fixation, patients will be randomized into one of the three treatment arms of the study: nonoperative treatment with immobilization, percutaneous DRUJ fixation with Kirschner wires, and open anatomic foveal repair of Triangular fibrocartilage complex TFCC ligaments with suture. Those patients undergoing Kirschner wire fixation will have their pins pulled in the clinic setting six weeks postoperatively. Outcomes will be assessed at follow up visits using the subjective and objective measures and clinical assistants will be blinded as to the treatment type. Physician-based assessment of functional outcome with be assessed using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Mayo Wrist scores, as well as independent assessment of DRUJ instability, ROM, and grip strength. Patient-based assessment will include visual analog pain scores as well as satisfaction questionnaires.