I broke my wrist/forearm in a snowboarding accident last January, and had surgery to insert a plate and 15 screws to repair the radius fracture (see my avitar). I also broke the tip of the ulna off completely know as an ulna styloid fracture. After casting and lots of therapy, I started playing golf again around the end of May. All-in-all, it was a good season for me. Besides some stiffness when its cold, and some lingering pain, I became a much better ball striker over this period, and ended the season around a 8 handicap.
After playing in a tournament in Doral in September, I noticed pain on the ulna side of my arm, that was more intense than normal, and a "clicking" or "popping" sound had developed. a few weeks later, both intensified, and I noticed that the ulna bone itself appeared to be moving when stressed. In fact, with minor pressure, I can cause the ulna to deviate 3-4 inches from where it normally rests.
My surgeon confirmed today that I have whats called Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability or DRUJ. It happens often in conjunction with a distal radius or ulna styloid fracture. The worse part about it is the operative procedure to correct this is called DRUJ Ligament Reconstruction, and it's extremely complicated with lengthy recovery process. The procedure entails removal and replacement of the current palte and screws, using the palmaris longus muscle as a donor tendon, and then a complicated series of weaves and ties to secure the joint (see the attached illustration). When the sutures are removed approx 10 days post-op, you're placed in a long arm cast for 6 weeks, a short arm cast for another 6 weeks, then a removable splint for another 3-4 months. Rehab can begin around month 3, with no strenuos activity for 6 months. And after all of that, I'm told that there is no guarantee that the instability won't return at some point. The bottom line is.....much like Tiger.....I'm f__ked! Except without the billion dollars in the bank.
I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced this issue, had the procedure, or knows of someone that has. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.