Long-term results in the treatment of fracture-dislocations of Galeazzi in adults. Report on twenty-nine cases.

The authors report 29 cases of a true Galeazzi fracture, (i.e. displaced fracture of the radial shaft and disruption of the distal radioulnar joint). In 1/4 of the cases, dislocation was overlooked and the injury was mistaken for a so-called "isolated" fracture of the radius. By accurate open reduction and compression plating of the fracture, both the torn radioulnar ligaments and the articular disc could be repaired and healed. Additional percutaneous Kirschner pinning across the ulna and the radius in order to avoid redislocation, does not seem to be necessary. It is important, however, to hold the reduction of the radioulnar dislocation in a plaster cast for 4-6 weeks, since the 8 persistent displacements of the ulnar head always resulted in a lack of pronosupination of more than 25 degrees. In these cases, pain and disability may require later surgical management. Late resection of the ulnar head or a Sauve-Kapandji procedure which yield an obvious cosmetic and functional improvement, are preferred to any immediate surgical repair of the radioulnar ligaments. This operation was carried out 3 times, but failed twice. Nevertheless out of 25 patients reviewed after a mean follow up time of 6.5 years, the results were gratifying in 20 who could resume their previous occupation 4 to 12 months postoperatively.