Distal Ulna Fracture Like a Galeazzi: An Uncommon Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: The Galeazzi fracture consists of a radial shaft fracture occurring most commonly at the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the radius and is accompanied by a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Galeazzi fractures result from hyperpronation injuries to the forearm. They require stabilization by internal fixation. Reportedly, the incidence of distal ulna fracture with a galeazzi is rare.
Case Presentation: A 48-year-old woman with displaced closed fracture of the distal shaft left radius and left distal intraarticular ulna. The patient experienced deformity and swelling in his left forearm after a motorcycle accident. Based on these, we diagnosed the patient with a Galeazzi equivalent fracture. Therefore, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was conducted using an LC-DCP plate and screw technique.
Discussion: From the report reviewed in this study, a quick diagnosis with prompt treatment makes like a Galeazzi-type fracture. Almost all four other studies apart from our study reported a good Galeazzi-type fracture. One case was initially treated operatively by internal fixation but later proceeded with distal ulna fracture with internal fixation, which ended with an excellent outcome.
Conclusion: Distal ulna fracture with a galeazzi-type fracture. Risk correlated significantly or not is still need a further study to be done.