J Korean Fract Soc.  2009 Oct;22(4):292-296. 10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.4.292.

Bilateral Malunion and Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation after Operative Treatment of Bilateral Galeazzi Fractures in Child: A Case Report

• Cheon SJ
• Kang DJ
• Moon NH
• Cha SH
• Cho HM

• KMID: 1469998
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.4.292

Abstract

Galeazzi fractures in child is rare and seldom necessary of operative treatment because the result of conservative treatment is good. We present the patient who was a 11-year-old male and fell onto his both hands during a hundred-meter dash. His diagnosis was bilateral Galeazzi fractures and limited open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner pins was initial treatment at local hospital. After 4 weeks postoperatively, Kirschner pins were removed and rehabilitating exercise was started. After 4 months postoperatively, he was transferred to our hospital due to malunion with severe angular deformities and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation. He was treated with corrective osteotomy. Thus, as in this case, we suggest more careful treatment and observation if conservative method of Galeazzi fracture in child is chosen and consider operative method as treatment according to age and pattern of fracture.

Keyword

Bilateral galeazzi fracture; Child; Malunion; DRUJ dislocation; Corrective osteotomy

MeSH Terms

Child
Congenital Abnormalities
Dislocations
Hand
Humans
Joints
Male
Osteotomy

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Initial radiographs after the trauma showed bilateral distal radius fractures and bilateral distal radioulnar joint dislocations.

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  Fig. 2 Radiographs after limited open reduction and pinning and cast immobilization.

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  Fig. 3 Radiographs taken at 4 weeks postoperatively after removal of K-wire and cast showed callus formation of fractures of distal radius, but showed angulation of distal radius and volar subluxation of ulnar head.

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  Fig. 4 Radiographs and photographs taken at the presentation to our hospital 4 months after trauma. Radiographs showed 40 degree-angulated distal radius and dorsal dislocation of ulnar head.

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  Fig. 5 Photographs showed bowing of both distal forearms.

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  Fig. 6 Radiographs after corrective osteotomy and temporary K-wire fixation of distal radioulnar joint showed correction of angular deformity and reduction of ulnar head.

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  Fig. 7 Radiographs taken at 7 months after corrective osteotomy showed well-healed distal radial osteotomy site and reduced distal radioulnar joint.

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  Fig. 8 Radiographs and photographs taken at 2 years after corrective osteotomy. Radiographs showed correction of angular deformities and maintenance of reduction of distal radioulnar joints.

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  Fig. 9 Photographs showed normal range of motion of supination and pronation.

Reference

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