Definition: A Galeazzi fracture is a variant of a radius fracture of the forearm. In addition to the fracture of the radius, these patients also have an injury of the distal radio-ulnar joint of the wrist.
What is the treatment of a Galeazzi fracture?
Treatment of a Galeazzi fracture is with surgery to repair the radius fracture. Treatment of this injury in a cast, even if the bones are brought back into position, will usually result in redisplacement of the fracture. Therefore, this is a so-called 'fracture of necessity,' meaning it is necessary to surgically repair the radius.
Once the radius is surgically repaired and held in the proper position, distal radio-ulnar joint will be inspected to determine if it also needs surgical attention.
