Acute injuries of the distal radioulnar joint and triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Distal radioulnar joint disorders have become increasingly recognized. Over the past decade, advances in functional anatomy, kinematics, advanced imaging, and arthroscopy have improved understanding of distal radioulnar joint disorders and their management. In the past, injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex and distal radioulnar joint have been regarded as related but separate entities. The authors' classification and treatment algorithm perceives these injuries as a single entity, differing only in their progressively severe anatomic pathology and subsequent clinical manifestations. A discussion of pertinent anatomy, clinical characteristics, ancillary studies, and a new classification system help establish recommended management options of this disorder.