The Dorsal Approach to the Distal Radioulnar Joint

A number of different disorders or injuries require surgical intervention at the distal radioulnar joint. Depending on the underlying condition, the distal radioulnar joint is traditionally exposed via a dorsal or, less commonly, a palmar approach. Occasionally, as in the case of fractures of the distal ulna or ulnar styloid process, a lateral approach may be chosen. We describe an operative technique for a dorsal approach to the distal radioulnar joint that we have found to be extremely useful for a wide range of different pathologies. This technique not only allows excellent visualization of the head of the ulna and the distal radioulnar joint, but also the triangular fibrocartilage complex and the ulnocarpal joint as well. Furthermore, it provides a simple means of restoring normal alignment and stability to the distal radioulnar joint and the ulnar side of the carpus.