Distal Radioulnar Joint

Description

The components of the distal radioulnar joint

Normal DRUJ on a PA film

Drawing shows the organization of the distal radioulnar ligaments. The four arms of the DRULs—the superficial dorsal (S-D), superficial volar (S-V), deep dorsal (D-D), and deep volar (D-V)—interdigitate at their distal insertions to form conjoined ligaments, giving rise to the macroscopic appearance of two laminae

Name

• Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ)

General

• Synovial joint between the distal ends of the radius and ulna
• Allows for movement in supination and pronation
  • Rotatory movements by which the forearm and hand rotate around the long axis of the forearm
• Separate from the radiocarpal joint
• Extensor Digiti Minimi is superficial to the DRUJ
  • Acts as an important landmark

Articulation

• Pivot type synovial joint existing between the ulnar notch of the distal radius, head of the ulna
• Primary uniting structure is the articular disc, also termed the triangular ligament, which is part of the TFCC

Stabilizing Structures

• Stabilized by the triangular fibrocartilage complex
• Intrinsic
  • Distal Radioulnar Ligaments
  • Distal Radioulnar Joint Capsule
• Extrinsic
  • Interossous Membrane of the Forearm
  • Tendon of extensor carpi ulnaris
  • Pronator quadratus

Actions

• Pronation: pronator quadratus, pronator teres
• Supination: supinator, biceps brachii
• Rotation of the distal radius

Vascular Supply

• Anterior interosseous Artery
• Posterior interosseous Artery
• Ulnar Artery

Innervation

• Anterior Interosseous Nerve
• Posterior Interosseous Nerve

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Clinical Significance

• Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation
• Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability
• Distal Radial Ulnar Joint Injection
• Galeazzi Fracture
• Colles Fracture
• Smith Fracture

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See Also

• Hand And Wrist Anatomy Main
• Wrist Pain Main
• Physical Exam Wrist

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