Skip to main content

Galeazzi Fracture: Distal Radius Fracture with Dislocated Distal Radioulnar Joint

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:

Abstract

A Galeazzi fracture is a radius shaft fracture accompanied by disruption of the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ). These fractures are uncommon in children and may be atypical compared to those in adults. Diagnostic vigilance is important, as these injuries are frequently missed (Walsh et al. 1987). The classic injury pattern as attributed to Galeazzi is an unstable fracture of the radius shaft at the junction of the middle and distal thirds plus injury to the distal radioulnar joint, usually the triangulo-fibro-cartilage complex (TFCC). However, due to the unique features of the physes in the skeletally immature patient, the mode of failure is more often through bony elements (Landfried et al. 1991). Ultimately, restoration of normal anatomy is imperative in the treatment of these injuries. Failure to do so may result in loss of forearm rotation, instability of the DRUJ, or chronic wrist pain.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   549.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   849.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References and Suggested Reading

  • Eberl R, Singer G, Schalamon J, Petnehazy T, Hoellwarth ME (2008) Galeazzi lesions in children and adolescents: treatment and outcome. Clin Orthop Relat Res 466:1705–1709

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Landfried MJ, Stenclik M, Susi JG (1991) Variant of Galeazzi fracture-dislocation in children. J Pediatr Orthop 11(3):332–335

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Letts M, Rowhani N (1993) Galeazzi-equivalent injuries in children. J Pediatr Orthop 13:561–566

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rettig ME, Raskin KB (2001) Galeazzi fracture-dislocation: a new treatment-oriented classification. J Hand Surg 26A:228–235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh H, McLaren C, Owen R (1987) Galeazzi fractures in children. J Bone Joint Surg 69B:730–733

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Deborah Bohn .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Section Editor information

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Bohn, D. (2020). Galeazzi Fracture: Distal Radius Fracture with Dislocated Distal Radioulnar Joint. In: Iobst, C., Frick, S. (eds) Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Case Atlas. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29980-8_48

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29980-8_48

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-29979-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-29980-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics