Trans-styloid radiocarpal fracture-luxation with associated dorsal luxation of the distal radioulnar joint: clinical case and literature review

Introduction: We present a case of dorsal luxation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) associated to radiocarpal luxation with fracture of the radial styloid process, together with a literature review on the subject. Clinical case: A 28-year-old male presented with dorsal luxation (DRUJ) associated to radial styloid fracture and radiocarpal luxation. No other lesions were identified. Treatment consisted of closed reduction, percutaneous fixation with Kirschner pins, and a plaster cast sealed above the elbow. Results: After 20 months, the patient is free of pain, and with full movement range of the elbow and both wrists. No further surgery proved necessary; the patient presents signs of slight scapholunar instability that has required no posterior treatment. Conclusions: DRUJ luxation is an infrequent complication of high-energy wrist fractures. The combination of DRUJ luxation and trans-styloid fracture-luxation of the wrist is exceptional, and we have found only one similar case published to date.