CIND: Radiocarpal Instability

Radiocarpal instability presents a rare but challenging problem. Regardless of the treatment option of choice, decreased wrist range of motion and posttraumatic arthritis develop in nearly all patients who sustain a radiocarpal instability event. Instability presents both in pure ligamentous injuries and in those with bony involvement and requires pathology-specific treatment interventions. Associated distal radial ulnar joint instability may require additional treatment if instability persists after addressing the radiocarpal pathology. Early operative intervention with capsuloligamentous repair and bony stabilization as indicated is associated with improved patient-reported outcomes compared to closed treatment and primary salvage procedures in the available retrospective series.