Galeazzi fracture

Synonyms in the broadest sense

forearm fracture, luxation fracture, forearm fracture

Terminological origin

The Galeazzi fracture is named after the Italian orthopedist Riccardo Galeazzi.

Definition

The Galeazzi fracture is one of the forearm fractures. The fracture of the forearm is a very common fracture in humans. More precisely, the Galeazzi fracture is one of the dislocation fractures. Luxation means that the joint surfaces of the bones working together are no longer in contact with each other, i.e., as the vernacular says, they are “dislocated”.

Causes

This fracture also occurs frequently in children. In this case, it is mainly caused by a fall on the arm, which is tried to be cushioned with the hand.

Features

The broken bone is the spoke. The Galeazzi fracture is a fracture of the radius near the wrist. However, the forearm is not only made up of bone, but also of the ulna in addition to the radius.

These two bones are connected by a relatively tear-resistant but flexible membrane (Membrana interossea). In the case of a galeazzi fracture, this membrane tears. The ulna is dislocated. The dislocation takes place at the joint surface of the ulna and radius.

Therapy

Which is the therapy of choice seems to be discussed at the moment. The therapy of the galeazzi fracture consists of a plate osteosynthesis of the radius. Here, the broken bone is rejoined with a plate.

The dislocated ulna spontaneously returns to its original position even without special therapy. The membrane, which stretches between ulna and radius and was also affected by the fracture, 2. The method of choice as a surgical procedure seems to be splinting the bone with an intramedullary nail.

For open fractures or severe soft tissue damage, the external fixator (a metal stabilizer that is largely outside the body) is used. And is attached to the bone with nails) should be discussed. According to these authors, plate osteosyntheses are reserved for exceptional indications.