Galeazzi Fracture-Dislocation

A Galeazzi fracture-dislocation is defined as a distal radius fracture with disruption of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The typical mechanism of injury is a forceful axial load with forearm torsion, which is often seen in a fall on the out stretched hand (FOOSH). The diagnosis is made with radiographs of the distal forearm and the wrist The diagnosis can often be missed because ligament disruption of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can be overlooked. Treatment in children is usually nonsurgical with closed reduction and long arm cast. Adult treatment is usually open reduction and internal fixation. Complications can result in disability and include malunion, limited range of motion of the forearm, chronic pain, DRUJ instability, and osteoarthritis.