Traumatic Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve Through the Distal Radioulnar Joint

Abstract

Case:A 27-year-old woman sustained a left open distal radius fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Postoperatively after initial temporizing treatment, the patient reported numbness in an ulnar distribution and was noted to have intrinsic hand weakness. At the time of conversion to internal fixation, the ulnar nerve was found to be translocated through the DRUJ and was narrowed and felt to benefit from resection and grafting.Conclusion:The combination of ulnar nerve palsy and wide displacement of the distal radius with DRUJ dislocation should raise the possibility of translocation of the ulnar nerve through the DRUJ.