Functional Outcome of Galeazzi Fractures Treated by ORIF and DRUJ Stabilization either Using Long Arm Cast or Transfixing Wire

Abstract

Introduction: Galeazzi fracture is a condition where there is distal radial shaft fracture accompanied with disruption of the Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ). Assessment of distal radio ulnar joint stability is mandatory and followed by further joint stabilization methods. The aim of this study was to study the functional outcome Galeazzi fracture management treated with ORIF followed by DRUJ strabilization using transfixing wire with long arm splint compared with long arm cast. Materials and methods: This study was a cross sectional observational study in patients with Galeazzi fractures from January 2007 to May 2012 underwent ORIF and DRUJ stabilization either using long arm cast or transfixing wire and long arm splint. Functional outcome measurement started at 3 months after surgery. The researcher contacted those eligible patients. After patients gave consent to the study, they were asked to do an interview guided by the researcher using QuickDASH score. The data was analysed using Fisher Exact test. Results: A total of 32 patients with Galeazzi fracture underwent ORIF followed by DRUJ stabilization. 72% had good functional outcome in subjects underwent ORIF followed by transfixing wire with long arm splint and 79% subjects using long arm cast (p-value>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that Galeazzi fracture patients treated with ORIF followed by long arm cast or transfixing wire and long arm splint had not significantly differ and had equally good functional outcome results.