Distal radioulnar joint incongruity after shortening of the ulna

Coronal sections of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) were studied in 13 p reserved cadaveric wrists specimens before and after 2 mm of shortening of the ulna. The DRUJs were subclassified on the basis of the DRUJ angle and d epth of the sigmoid notch. The changes in extent and location of area of co ntact and radioulnar separation were noted. Although reduction in area of c ontact occurred in every specimen and DRUJ type, the maximum radioulnar sep aration and reduction in area of contact occurred in the DRUJ type IB and I IB. This could be a possible factor producing point loading and subsequent occurrence of DRUJ remodelling in the long-term after shortening of the uln a.