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Galeazzi Fracture: Distal Radius Fracture with Dislocated Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint

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Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Case Atlas

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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.

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References and Suggested Reading

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Deborah Bohn

Authors
  1. Deborah Bohn
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Correspondence to Deborah Bohn .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Ohio State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

    Christopher Iobst

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, Florida, USA

    Steven L. Frick

Section Editor information

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nemours: Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Rd., 19803, Wilmington, DE, USA

    Jennifer M. Ty MD

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Bohn, D. (2018). Galeazzi Fracture: Distal Radius Fracture with Dislocated Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint. In: Iobst, C., Frick, S. (eds) Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Case Atlas. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28226-8_48-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28226-8_48-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-28226-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-28226-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference MedicineReference Module Medicine

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