Galeazzi-Equivalent Injuries of the Wrist in Children

Abstract

Fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the distal ulna, the so-called Galeazzi fracture, is uncommon in children. A variant, the "Galeazzi-equivalent fracture" involving a separation of the distal ulnar growth plate with displacement of the ulnar metaphysis was shown to be more common than the "classic" Galeazzi fracture in a 15-year review of this fracture pattern at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. An analysis of outcome of 10 fractures showed less favorable results in the six Galeazzi-equivalent fractures compared to the four classic Galeazzi injuries, with one child sustaining a complete growth plate arrest of the distal ulna secondary to an equivalent injury. Recognition of the Galeazzi-equivalent fracture pattern is sometimes difficult. To define the various fracture patterns in an attempt to facilitate diagnosis and management, a classification of the Galeazzi injury complex in children has been devised. Reduction of all Galeazzi injury patterns is best accomplished with the forearm in full supination in an above-elbow cast.