Surgical ablation of the ulna head is associated with pain secondary to radioulnar impingement1, and impaired grip and load-bearing function. Our hypothesis is that the DRUJ and associated structures form a linked system distributing force, facilitating function and preventing injury. In biomechanical studies on human cadaver models, consistent and characteristic profiles (force, pressure, tension, and bending moments) were demonstrated in the intact and surgically modified (excision of ulna head) arms. The DRUJ is shown to be important in the transmission of load and its anatomical integrity should be respected in surgical procedures if normal function is to be preserved.
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