Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir 2014; 46(01): 31-33
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1367035
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Galeazzi Fractures: our Modified Classification and Treatment Regimen

Galeazzi-Frakturen: unser modifiziertes Klassifikations- und Behandlungsregim
H. C. Fayaz
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
,
J. B. Jupiter
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 16 August 2011

accepted 20 January 2014

Publication Date:
26 February 2014 (online)

Abstract

While diaphyseal fractures of the forearm are a common orthopedic injury, Galeazzi fractures are difficult to treat. The current knowledge on pathobiomechanics and modified therapeutic decisions implicate the need to devise an updated classification and treatment regimen of Galeazzi fractures. We challenge the concept that isolated fractures of the radius should be considered as a Galeazzi fractures as long as stability of the distal radioulnar joint is not proven. Contrary to others we demonstrate that the fracture location alone is not sufficient to determine the stability of the distal radioulnar joint.

Zusammenfassung

Galeazzi-Frakturen sind weder einfach zu erkennen, noch zu behandeln. Neuere Erkenntnisse die Pathobiomechanik betreffend verlangen nach einer Überarbeitung der Klassifikation und zugleich des Behandlungskonzepts. Nach unserer Meinung sollte jede isolierte Radiusfraktur so lange als Galeazzi-Fraktur betrachtet werden, bis die Stabilität des distalen Radioulnargelenkes bewiesen ist. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Autoren sind wir nicht der Meinung, dass allein die Lokalisation der Fraktur schon eine Aussage zur Stabilität des distalen Radioulnargelenkes zulässt.

 
  • References

  • 1 Galeazzi R. Über ein besonderes Syndrom bei Verletzungen im Bereich der Unterarmknochen. Arch Orthop Unfallchir 1934; 35: 557-562
  • 2 Mikic ZD. Galeazzi fracture-dislocations. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1975; 57: 1071-1080
  • 3 Campbell Jr RM. Operative treatment of fractures and dislocations of the hand and wrist region in children. Orthop Clin North Am 1990; 21: 217-243
  • 4 Bruckner JD, Lichtman DM, Alexander AH. Complex dislocations of the distal radioulnar joint. Recognition and management. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; 275: 90-103
  • 5 Macule F, Arandes JM, Ferreres C et al. Treatment of Galeazzi fracture dislocations. J Trauma 1994; 36: 352-355
  • 6 Rettig ME, Raskin KB. Galeazzi fracture-dislocation: a new treatment-oriented Classification. J Hand Surg Am 2001; 26: 228-235
  • 7 Nicolaidis SC, Hildreth DH, Lichtman DM. Acute injuries of the distal radioulnar joint. Hand Clin 2000; 16: 449-459
  • 8 Hattoma N, Rafai M, Zahar A et al. Lesions of the distal radio-ulnar joint associated with isolated fractures of the radial shaft. Acta Orthop Belg 2002; 68: 476-480
  • 9 Mestadagh H, Duquennoy A, Letendart J et al. Long-term results in the treatment of fracture-dislocations of Galeazzi in adults. Report on twenty-nine cases. Ann Chir Main 1983; 2: 125-133
  • 10 Almquist EE. Evolution of the distal radioulnar joint. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; 275: 5-13
  • 11 Wallace AL, Walsh WR, Van Rooijen M et al. The interosseous ligament in radio-ulnar dissociation. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1997; 79: 422-427
  • 12 Renfree KJ. Shaft fractures of the radius and ulna. In Berger RA, Weiss APCP C. (eds.). Hand Surgery. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004
  • 13 Ring D, Rhim R, Carpenter C et al. Isolated radial shaft fractures are more common than Galeazzi fractures. J Hand Surg Am 2006; 31: 17-21
  • 14 Hughston JC. Fracture of the distal radial shaft; mistakes in management. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1957; 39: 249-264
  • 15 Moore TM, Klein JP, Patzakis MJ et al. Results of compression plating of closed Galeazzi fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1985; 67: 1015-1021
  • 16 Strehle J, Gerber C. Distal radioulnar joint function after Galeazzi fracture dislocations treated by open reduction and internal plate fixation. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1993; 293: 240-245