Reconstructing a Chronic, Malunited Galeazzi Fracture with Distal Radial Ulnar Joint Instability: a Simple, Modified Technique

Overview

Journal BMJ Case Rep

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2022 Nov 2

PMID 36323448

Authors

Spencer R Anderson

Hunter Charles Spitz

Timothy Charles Frommeyer

Sunishka M Wimalawansa

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A male in his 70s presented with a chronic malunited comminuted Galeazzi fracture dislocation, including angular malunion, radial shortening (1.3 cm ulnar-plus variance) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability secondary to chronic dislocation with mechanical rotation block. A modified, single-stage radius corrective osteotomy with bone grafting technique to overcorrect radius length was employed, restoring normal DRUJ motion and stability by engaging the secondary DRUJ stabilisers without triangular fibrocartilage complex repair. DRUJ stability was restored via radius lengthening, engaging the DRUJ's secondary stabilisers, bypassing the need for complex ligamentous reconstruction. The patient returned to full activity. We recommend our simple yet effective approach to treat chronic, malunited Galeazzi fractures with DRUJ instability.

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