Clinical DRUJ instability does not influence the long-term functional outcome of conservatively treated distal radius fractures

Objective: The presence of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability remains often unnoticed initially, but may worsen functional outcome of distal radius fractures (DRF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of concurring clinical DRUJ instability on the outcome of conservatively treated DRF. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, all unilateral, conservatively treated DRF patients were invited for physical examination, CT scan of both wrists and filling out questionnaires. Static and dynamic DRUJ instability were clinically tested. Results: Forty-nine DRF patients with a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (SD 0.5) were assessed. Seventeen patients tested positive for DRUJ instability. No differences were found in baseline characteristics between the DRUJ stable and unstable group. Apart from wrist flexion, no statistical significant differences in outcome was found between patients with and without DRUJ instability. Conclusion: The presence of clinical DRUJ instability does not seem to affect functional outcome of conservatively treated distal radius fractures at long-term follow-up.