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Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Arthroscopy in Houston, TX
What is DRUJ Arthroscopy?
The DRUJ is the joint formed by the radius and ulnar bones of the foreman in the wrist. DRUJ (Distal Radioulnar Joint) arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to diagnose and treat pathological problems in the DRUJ using an arthroscope, a thin, flexible scope with a camera on the end.
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What are the Indications for DRUJ Arthroscopy?
Unexplained pain in the wrist and instability of the DRUJ may be indications for the procedure. Furthermore, the procedure is performed for the evaluation and treatment of joint pathologies causing ulnar-sided wrist pain (i.e. the side of the wrist below the small finger).
What are the Benefits of DRUJ Arthroscopy?
The benefits of DRUJ arthroscopy include:
- Allows better visualization of the joint
- More accurate than standard X-rays and MRI
- Permits the detection of certain types of DRUJ injuries that may not be easily detected by other diagnostic studies
- Possible treatment of certain types of DRUJ injuries using specialized instruments during the arthroscopy itself
How do you Prepare for DRUJ Arthroscopy?
You may be asked to follow a pre-operation protocol as with any other surgery. Your doctor will advise you on food, medication, etc. prior to the procedure. The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia.
How is DRUJ Arthroscopy Performed?
During the procedure, the doctor may perform the following:
- Create 2-3 small puncture incisions (portals) on the back of the wrist close to the DRUJ
- Guide the arthroscope to the DRUJ through the portals
- Observe the DRUJ surfaces as well as surrounding structures for any abnormality
- Perform debridement or repair utilizing the arthroscope and other specialized surgical tools
What are the Risks Associated with DRUJ Arthroscopy?
The procedure is technically demanding and requires extensive training. Other risks include:
- Injuries to tendons
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Delayed healing
What Precautions should be Taken as You Recover from DRUJ Arthroscopy?
You may be asked to keep the operated area (wrist) immobilized in a semi-circular ulnar-sided cast for 1 week and avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DRUJ arthroscopy?
The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is the joint formed by the radius and ulna bones at the wrist. DRUJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an arthroscope—a thin, flexible scope with a camera—to diagnose and treat problems within this joint.
What are the signs that I might need DRUJ arthroscopy?
Unexplained wrist pain and instability of the DRUJ may be indications for the procedure. It is especially useful for evaluating and treating joint problems that cause ulnar-sided wrist pain, meaning pain on the side of the wrist below the small finger.
What are the benefits of DRUJ arthroscopy over other imaging?
DRUJ arthroscopy allows better visualization of the joint and is more accurate than standard X-rays and MRI. It can detect certain DRUJ injuries that other diagnostic studies may miss, and it allows some of those injuries to be treated during the same procedure.
How is DRUJ arthroscopy performed?
Under general or regional anesthesia, Dr. Luo creates 2 to 3 small puncture incisions (portals) on the back of the wrist near the DRUJ. The arthroscope is guided into the joint to inspect the surfaces and surrounding structures, and specialized tools are used to perform debridement or repair as needed.
What is recovery like after DRUJ arthroscopy?
You may need to keep the wrist immobilized in a semi-circular ulnar-sided cast for about 1 week and avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks. Because the procedure is technically demanding, possible risks include tendon injuries, nerve damage, infection, and delayed healing.
Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist