Distal interosseous oblique bundle reconstruction with a brachioradialis tendon strip according to Aita-Mantovani technique: description of a case of misdiagnosed volar DRUJ dislocation and review of the literature

Volar distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation is a very rare condition, and up to 50% of cases are misdiagnosed at the emergency room, because of subtle clinical findings and inadequate evaluation of radiographs in emergency settings. Treatment options vary from closed reduction with immobilization in a pronated position, to open reduction and repair of DRUJ stabilizers in case of locked irreducible or chronic dislocation, as well as in case of unstable DRUJ after an attempt at closed reduction. Among surgical procedures, the Aita-Mantovani technique of distal oblique bundle repair with a brachioradialis tendon strip can fully restore the multiplanar stability of the distal radio-ulnar joint. We present a case of an inveterate volar DRUJ dislocation, where the ulnar head was stuck out of the sigmoid notch, which was managed with open reduction and distal oblique bundle restoration according to the Aita-Mantovani technique.