Galeazzi fracture-dislocation

Clinical History

Inferior radio-ulnar joint pain following motor vehicle accident.

Imaging Findings

Involved in motor vehicle accident. Exact mechanism of injury uncertain. Pain at the inferior radio-ulnar joint.

Discussion

Dislocation of the inferior radio-ulnar joint occurring in association with a fracture of the radius.
(Syn. Galeazzi fracture-dislocation, Piedmont fracture, Reverse Monteggia fracture)

First described in 1943.

• Classically, the shaft of the radius is fractured.


• Most commonly, at the junction of middle and distal thirds of the radius; has a short oblique or transverse configuration.


• Distal radial fragment is displaced in an ulnar direction.


• Dislocation of ulna usually occurs in a distal, dorsal and medial direction.


• There may be an associated fracture of the ulnar head or styloid process.

Fractures of the distal end of the radius and of the radial neck and head, which may be associated with a dislocation of the inferior radio-ulnar joint, are not regarded as Galeazzi fracture-dislocations unless the radial shaft is also fractured.

RADIOLOGY:

Plain radiographs usually show the dislocation of the ulnar head. Arthrography of radio-carpal joint can be helpful in equivocal cases. As disruption of the inferior radio-ulnar joint requires injury to the triangular fibrocartilage, contrast opacification of the radio-carpal joint will be associated with filling of the inferior radio-ulnar joint.

CT / MR

Helps with assessment of the joint. Allows simultaneous visualisation of both wrists. Permits delineation of important supporting soft tissue structures.

Differential Diagnosis List

Final Diagnosis

Galeazzi fracture dislocation

URL:	https://www.eurorad.org/case/164
DOI:	10.1594/EURORAD/CASE.164
ISSN:	1563-4086