Galeazzi fracture-dislocation

Background

• Radius fracture (distal third) + distal radioulnar dislocation
  • Concurrent Ulnar Styloid fracture is common
• Caused by FOOSH with flexed elbow or direct blow
• Arm equivalent of a Maisonneuve fracture

Clinical Features

• Localized tenderness/swelling over distal radius/wrist

Evaluation

• PA: May only show slightly increased distal radioulnar joint space
• Lateral: Ulna is displaced dorsally

Galeazzi Fracture

Differential Diagnosis

Forearm Fracture Types

• Distal radius fractures
  • Colles' fracture
  • Smith fracture
  • Barton fracture
  • Radial styloid fracture
  • Distal radioulnar joint disruption
• Radia ulna fracture
• Isolated radius fracture (proximal)
• Isolated ulna fracture (i.e. nightstick)
• Monteggia fracture-dislocation
• Galeazzi fracture-dislocation
• Forearm fracture (peds)

Management

• Consult ortho in the ED; likely requires ORIF
• Long arm posterior splint with elbow flexed 90° and forearm pronated
  • Linked image indicates neutral position of forearm, rather than pronation

See Also

• Forearm Fracture

References

• http://radiopaedia.org/articles/galeazzi-fracture-dislocation