Volar Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation With Ulnar Styloid Fracture

Volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is an uncommon traumatic injury that may be overlooked due to subtle clinical findings and difficulty obtaining proper radiographs in the acute setting. The mechanism typically involves a strong pronation force applied to a fixed wrist, leading to disruption of the stabilizing soft tissue structures, particularly the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Although standard wrist radiographs are recommended initially, computed tomography (CT) is often required when positioning is inadequate or the diagnosis remains uncertain. We report a rare case of volar DRUJ dislocation associated with an ulnar styloid fracture in a 36‑year‑old man following a fall on an outstretched hand. Closed reduction was successfully performed in the emergency department, followed by immobilization and structured follow‑up. The patient achieved full functional recovery by 11 weeks. This case highlights the importance of early suspicion, appropriate imaging, and timely management to prevent long‑term complications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-05-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.109018
Primary Topic
Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
Type
article
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article

Volar Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation With Ulnar Styloid Fracture

Rashwan Elmeligy
Cureus
Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
article

Volar Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation With Ulnar Styloid Fracture

Rashwan Elmeligy
article en

Abstract

Volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is an uncommon traumatic injury that may be overlooked due to subtle clinical findings and difficulty obtaining proper radiographs in the acute setting. The mechanism typically involves a strong pronation force applied to a fixed wrist, leading to disruption of the stabilizing soft tissue structures, particularly the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Although standard wrist radiographs are recommended initially, computed tomography (CT) is often required when positioning is inadequate or the diagnosis remains uncertain. We report a rare case of volar DRUJ dislocation associated with an ulnar styloid fracture in a 36‑year‑old man following a fall on an outstretched hand. Closed reduction was successfully performed in the emergency department, followed by immobilization and structured follow‑up. The patient achieved full functional recovery by 11 weeks. This case highlights the importance of early suspicion, appropriate imaging, and timely management to prevent long‑term complications.

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Volar Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation With Ulnar Styloid Fracture — Rashwan Elmeligy · Cureus (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS