A Galeazzi fracture is defined as a fracture of the radius associated with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Treatment
in children and adolescents is usually possible with closed reduction and casting. The objective of this retrospectively designed
study was to describe all Galeazzi lesions treated at our department during a 3-year period. One hundred ninety-eight patients
with displaced fractures of the radius alone or both bones of the forearm were reviewed. In 26 (13%) cases, a Galeazzi lesion
was found and these patients formed the study group. Outcome was assessed using the Gartland-Werley score. Eight of 26 (31%)
fractures were recognized initially and classified as a Galeazzi lesion. Casting after fracture reduction was possible in
22 patients. Thirteen patients were treated with immobilization in a below-elbow cast and nine with an above-elbow cast. Four
patients were treated operatively. The results were excellent in 23 cases and good in three cases. In cases of distal forearm
fractures, a possible Galeazzi lesion should be considered. However, proper reduction of the radius with concomitant reduction
of the distal radioulnar joint and cast immobilization provides good to excellent outcome even if the Galeazzi lesion is primarily
not recognized.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownerships, equity interest,
patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution either has waived or does not require approval for the human protocol for
this investigation and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.