What Is Subluxation of the Distal Ulna?

The ulna is the bone that forms the forearm, together with the radius. According to the eMedicine website, the distal ulna is the part of the bone extremity that is close to the wrist.



According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, a bone subluxation is a partial displacement or dislocation of bones that form a joint. In the case of a subluxation of the distal ulna, the joint involved is the wrist.



A subluxation of the distal ulna can be simplified as a dislocation of the wrist.

Significance

• The wrist is formed by the distal radius and the distal ulna, as well as the carpal bones and the bases of the metacarpals, according to eMedicine. The degree of mobility of the wrist is determined by the health conditions of the distal ulna and other bones involved.

Causes and Symptons

• Often caused by an accident, a violent movement of the wrist that exceeds the joint's limits is the main cause of a subluxation of the distal ulna, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Although subluxations are frequently associated with traumas, they sometimes happen as a result of a disease affecting the joint.

  During a subluxation, there is tearing of ligaments (structures responsible for connecting the muscle to the bone). After the trauma, the joint swells and it becomes sore, specially if pressure is applied (point tenderness).

Diagnosis

• According to eMedicine, a complete diagnose of the dislocation of the distal ulna is performed through the patient's history-taking, physical examination and radiography.

  However, other methods such as bone scanning, computed tomography and ultrasonography are also indicated, in cases of difficult diagnosis.

Treatment

• After the subluxation, it is advisable to cover the wrist with ice immediately, to help controlling the swelling and thus decrease the pain, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. It is also important to immobilize the joint. While these are crucial first aid procedures, the patient must seek a doctor without delay to have a thorough diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Prevention

• Some individuals are more likely to have a subluxation of the wrist than others. Those involved in strenuous sports or heavy work should protected wrists by elastic bandage wraps, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Recurrent subluxations can be prevented when the adequate amount of time for the injured wrist to heal is taken into account. This period normally involves a complete immobilization of the joint, sometimes through a plaster cast.