Any break in a bone is known as a fracture. A fracture can be closed (the bone is disrupted but the skin is intact) or open (the bone is exposed through the skin).
A Galeazzi fracture involves remote fractures at the far end and middle third of the large bone of the forearm. It also includes dislocation of the joint where the two forearm bones meet, causing instability of the forearm axis joint.
What Bones Are Affected in a Galeazzi Fracture?
Composed of the radius and the ulnar bones, the forearm is very important for day-to-day functioning, allowing for movements called pronation and supination.
A Galeazzi fracture is a fracture of the middle to distal third of the radius. It also involves the dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), which is located in between the radius and ulna at the near end of the wrist joint. Needless to say, fractures in this area can make daily functioning difficult.
What Causes a Galeazzi Fracture?
Blunt trauma is what typically causes a Galeazzi fracture. Whether you're in a car crash or experience a fall, if you stretch out your arm for protection just before impact, you increase the risk of fracturing a bone in your arm or wrist. You also risk dislocation of the ulna at the DRUJ.
Galeazzi fractures are often misdiagnosed because the disruption of DRUJ ligaments is often missed on evaluation. Misdiagnosis can lead to severe complications, including:
- Malunion
- Chronic wrist pain
- DRUJ instability
- Osteoarthritis
- Limited forearm range of motion
Who Gets Galeazzi Fractures?
Galeazzi fractures are more common among teenage boys who play sports like football and wrestling, and among postmenopausal women who may be more prone to bone fractures if they fall.
Around 7% of all forearm fractures in adults are Galeazzi fractures.
How Is a Galeazzi Fracture Diagnosed?
A Galeazzi fracture is diagnosed through a physical exam and an X-ray. If you have this type of fracture, your forearm may be bruised and appear twisted. You'll also experience pain in the injured area with possible radiation to the other parts of the arm and hand.
If the fracture is really bad, it could break through the skin becoming an open fracture, which is considered a medical emergency.
What Is the Treatment for a Galeazzi Fracture?
A Galeazzi fracture is commonly treated by immobilizing the forearm with a cast. Children generally do better than adults with this treatment. Adults usually do not do well with immobilization. This is due to deforming forces affecting the DRUJ. Surgical options are usually the best for them.
Internal fixation and open reduction are the best surgical approaches. With this procedure, the fractured bones are put back into correct alignment, with screws and a plate used to hold the broken bones in place. Similarly, screws or wires are also used to hold the dislocated ulna steady.
During surgery, the stability of the DRUJ should be evaluated. The same methods of fracture correction can be used to correct the instability of the DRUJ. After surgery, a splint or cast will be placed on the wrist or forearm to secure it while it heals.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Galeazzi Fracture?
Recovery from a Galeazzi fracture depends on the severity of the fracture, the health of the individual, and extremity use. Rehab usually lasts from six to eight weeks.