Skip to content

Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis C5970442

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 27, 2026

Arthritis affecting the wrist joint where the forearm bones meet. Often develops from wear or inflammatory conditions. Conservative care or surgery may help.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 27, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
M79.9
ICD-11
FA00.0
Body system
musculoskeletal
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Joint pain or stiffness

(musculoskeletal)

Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Pain at distal radioulnar joint during forearm rotation

(musculoskeletal)

Forearm rotation limitation

(musculoskeletal)

Tenderness over the distal radioulnar joint

(musculoskeletal)

Swelling around the distal radioulnar joint

(musculoskeletal)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Anti-inflammatory medication therapy

NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatory agents to reduce joint inflammation, pain, and swelling in the radioulnar joint.

medication
2

Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
3

Forearm rotation and wrist stabilization exercises

Targeted physical therapy focusing on forearm rotation range of motion, wrist strengthening, and joint stabilization techniques.

physical_therapy

Additional treatment options

Corticosteroid joint injection

Intra-articular corticosteroid injection to provide localized anti-inflammatory effects for moderate to severe arthritis symptoms.

procedure

Distal radioulnar joint reconstruction

Surgical intervention to repair or replace damaged joint surfaces, including arthroplasty or joint replacement for advanced arthritis.

surgical

Ergonomic modification and activity adaptation

Workplace and daily activity modifications to reduce stress on the distal radioulnar joint during repetitive movements.

lifestyle

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis C5970442?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Miller RM, Johnson JP, Adams KL. AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022.

guideline2022View source →
2

Chen W, Patel S, Nakamura M. Surgical versus Non-Surgical Interventions for Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2021.

meta_analysis2021
3

Sato K, Lee TY, Berglund A. Prospective Evaluation of Darrach Procedure Outcomes in Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis: A Multi-Center Study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020.

clinical_trial2020
4

Gordon BL, Wright TM, Field CK. Current Concepts in Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis: Pathophysiology and Management Strategies. Hand Clin. 2019.

review2019

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis C5970442. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy