Functional outcome of galeazzi fracture dislocation treated by open reduction and internal fixation with dynamic compression plate

Background: Galeazzi fracture involves fracture of the distal 1/3rd of radius shaft associated with dislocation of distal radioulnar joint. Open reduction and rigid internal fixation of radius is goal standard treatment. The aim of this study was done to evaluate the functional outcome of Galeazzi fracture dislocation managed by open reduction and internal fixation of radius.Methods: The study was conducted in department of orthopaedics Government Medical college Jammu from December 2018 to February 2021. 30 patients of Galeazzi fracture dislocation were managed with Open reduction and internal fixation of Radius with plating and were followed up to evaluate the results.Results: Age of the patients ranged between 23 years to 60 years with a mean range of 42 years. 22 cases were male (73.3%), 8 cases were females (26.6%). In 19 cases injury was in right side and in 11 cases injury was in left side. In most of the cases injury was due to due to RTA (80%) and in rest of cases injury was due to fall from height (20%).Conclusions: Anatomic restoration of length of the radius with rigid internal fixation is key to satisfactory results in Galeazzi fracture dislocations and K-wire fixation of distal radio ulnar joint is not necessary if anatomic reduction of the joint is obtained by indirect means such as open reduction and internal fixation of the radius and immobilization.

The “floating ulna” injury in adults: a case report, literature review and proposed injury classification

Background Ipsilateral Galeazzi fracture with elbow dislocation, namely the “floating ulna” injury, is a rare injury pattern. A few reports have described this type of injury and its treatment. Case presentation A 33-year-old female at 38+ weeks gestational age presented with Galeazzi fracture and posterolateral elbow dislocation of the left upper extremity. The patient was treated with closed reduction of the elbow, open reduction, and internal fixation of the radial shaft fracture with a dynamic compression plate and K-wire stabilization of the unstable distal radioulnar joint. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient had no pain or signs of instability. Range of motion was 0–135° at the elbow, 70° extension and 80° flexion at the wrist, and 80° supination and 80° pronation at the forearm. Conclusion The “floating ulna” injury is a rare and special injury pattern with ipsilateral Galeazzi fracture and elbow dislocation. This type of injury was likely caused by significant amount of deforming force and the unique position of upper limb when the patient fell from a height of 1–2 m in high-energy trauma.