Management of the Galeazzi fracture

Abstract

Fifty-one adults with Galeazzi fractures were treated by operation and the results compared in cases treated early, late and after inadequate initial treatment. We conclude that in cases treated up to 10 weeks after injury, immobilisation with the forearm in full supination in an above elbow cast helps to maintain stability of the inferior radioulnar joint. The distal end of the ulna should only be excised after 6 months, and if the symptoms warrant it. In patients who were inadequately treated initially, the distal end of the ulna should be excised at the time of the operation on the radius, but a poor result is the inevitable outcome. Union, or nonunion of the ulnar styloid did not affect the end result.