Abstract

Background: Chronic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability secondary to triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury remains challenging to treat. This study describes a novel mini-open dorsal technique for TFCC reconstruction and reports preliminary clinical outcomes. Methods: Six patients with chronic symptomatic DRUJ instability underwent mini-open dorsal TFCC reconstruction using a dorsal capsular flap fixed to the ulnar fovea with a 2 mm suture anchor. Clinical outcomes included DRUJ stability, forearm range of motion, pain (VAS), QuickDASH, and PRWHE scores. Results: At final follow-up, clinical DRUJ stability was restored in all patients, with full forearm rotation. Mean QuickDASH improved from 61.0 to 6.5, mean PRWHE improved from 58.7 to 8.0, and mean VAS pain score improved from 7.5 to 0.83. No complications or recurrences were observed. Conclusions: This mini-open dorsal technique was feasible in this small case series and was associated with encouraging early clinical outcomes and restoration of clinical DRUJ stability. Larger prospective studies with longer follow-up are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

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