An unusual case of both bones forearm shaft fracture with ipsilateral distal radio-ulnar joint disruption

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) subluxation with associated both bones forearm fracture is a rare clinical entity and is easily missed, leading to significant functional limitations.

A 28-year-old male fell on the outstretched hand and suffered left side both bones forearm shaft fracture with ipsilateral DRUJ disruption. Operative intervention in the form of plating was done for both bones forearm shaft fracture and DRUJ was stabilised with one k wire and above elbow plaster splint in full supination was given for 6 weeks. At one-year follow-up, fracture was united and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 11.7, and he was well satisfied.

DRUJ disruption should be carefully evaluated in all the patients with associated shaft fractures of radius and ulna. Timely diagnosis and optimal intervention may prevent any functional limitations.