Page 101 - Orthopedic Casting Manual
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2.3.1 Fracture Type(s) cont ...
Galeazzi Fractures
✓ Clinically Relevant Anatomy: the distal third of the radius and distal radioulnar
joint LDRUJ) injur y. The DRUJ stabilizes forear m rotation.
✓ Epidemiological/Etiology/Mechanism of Injur y: Epidemiology: More common
in adolescents and young adul ts.
✓ Mechanism: FOOSH injur y with the forear m in pronation.
✓ Clinical Characteristics/Presentation: Swelling and defor mit y over the distal
forear m; Tender ness at the wrist and limited forear m rotation; Instabilit y or
subluxation of the DRUJ.
✓ Fracture Diagnosis Process: Imaging: AP and lateral forear m radiographs with
attention to the DRUJ alignment.
✓ Clinical Tests: Assessment of DRUJ stabilit y under fluoroscopy if necessar y.
✓ Differential Diagnosis/Associated Injuries: Isolated distal radius fractures;
Distal ulna fractures; Ligamentous injuries of the wrist;
✓ Treatment/Management Considerations: Nondisplaced fractures: Long ar m
cast with forear m in supination; Displaced fractures or DRUJ instabilit y:
Surgical fixation required.
