Galeazzi fracture

Fractures of Distal Radius and Galeazzi Fracture
Objectives 1. Discuss the frequency of fractures of the distal radial physis 2. Describe indications for reduction, method of reduction, and limits of acceptable reduction for distal radial physeal fractures 3. Define Galeazzi fracture and Galeazzi equivalent fracture 4. Discuss management of Galeazzi and Galeazzi equivalent fractures in children5. Discuss incidence of growth arrest following distal radial and ulnar physeal injuries

Discussion points 1. How many radiographs are indicated for management of a torus fracture? For a displaced fracture? 2. When can a patient with a displaced distal radius fracture be discharged from follow-up?

Discussion The distal forearm is the most frequent site of fracture in children; the distalradius is the most frequently injured physis. Falls are the usual mechanism of injury. Most distal radial physeal fractures are dorsally displaced. Reduction is usually not difficult, but some residual displacement is common. In general, the best judgment is to accept the reduction achieved, as repeated attempts at reduction have been linked to subsequent physeal arrest of the distal radius. Even inadolescence, the distal radius maintains a

remarkable ability to remodel, Wilkins notes that if even 1 year of growth remains and there is 50% apposition of the fracture fragments, one can expect an acceptable result. Pinning of distal radial physeal fractures should be considered only in extreme situations, as there is some thought that pinning may contribute to premature growth arrest.Well-molded shortarm casts suffice for immobilization for distal radial fractures.

Fractures of the distal shaft can be more problematic. If one desires, many greenstick fractures of the distal radius could be classified as Galeazzi fractures, since the definition of a Galeazzi fracture is a fracture of the associated with disruption of the distal-radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Greenstick fractures of thedistal radius can easily be managed by reversal of the deforming force (see Fractures of the shaft of the radius and ulna). More problematic are the fractures of the distal radius with an intact ulna, which can be very difficult to reduce. Unreduced bayonet apposition with up to 1cm of overriding will remodel nicely up to about age 12. Some loss of the initial position attained is often noted inthe first couple of weeks after fracture. In general, up to 30 degrees of sagittal plane angulation and 20 degrees of coronal plane angulation can be accepted if there is 5 years of growth remaining. The radial length is restored in the remodeling process. Children nearing skeletal maturity need more precise reduction. Disruption of the DRUJ can accompany distal radial fracture; it is unusual butstill common enough to require vigilance on the part of the surgeon. Fracture though the distal ulnar physis can either supplement the DRUJ injury or absorb the force which would otherwise disrupt the DRUJ, and these injuries have been termed Galeazzi equivalent. Most can be managed conservatively; supination is generally preferable, although Letts and Vesely used the displacement of the distalfragment to guide them in positioning the arm. Distal ulnar physeal arrest is surprisingly common, with much more emphasis in the past decade on this problem, estimates up to 60% have been recorded. Distal radial arrest is much less common (although the injury is much more frequent), estimated at about 5%. Growth arrest of the distal radius has been reported following distal metaphyseal fracturesnot involving the physis. Finally, torus fractures require only one radiograph for the entire course of treatment. References 1. Aminian A, Schoenecker PL. Premature closure of the distal radial physis after fracture of the distal radial metaphysis [see comments]. Journal of Pediatric

Orthopedics 1995; 15( 4): 495-8. 2. Ches DG, Hyndman JC, Leahey JL, Brown DCS, Sinclair AM. Sort arm plaster...