Distal radioulnar joint

The pivot joint between the head of the ulna and the sigmoid notch of the distal radius, which allows forearm rotation. It is stabilised mainly by the radioulnar ligaments of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. After a distal radius fracture its stability is tested once the radius has been fixed; instability may need immobilisation or repair.

Related terms

• Investigation

  Ulnar variance

  The difference in length between the articular surfaces of the distal ulna and the distal radius on a neutral-rotation posteroanterior radiograph, recorded as positive when the ulna is longer and negative when it is shorter. After a distal radius fracture, an increase reflects shortening of the radius.

Articles mentioning this term

1. FESSH preparation · 2 October 2026

   Distal radius fractures

   Distal radius fractures for FESSH candidates: instability, alignment and age, DRAFFT, DRAFFT2 and CROSSFIRE, volar plate complications, the DRUJ and CRPS.

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