DRUJ Dislocation/Galeazzi Fracture

A Galeazzi fracture-dislocation, known as a “fracture of necessity,” is an unstable fracture of the shaft of the radius with an associated dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) that requires recognition, open reduction and internal fixation to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Complications are associated with unrecognized DRUJ injury or incomplete reduction and stabilization such as chronic DRUJ pain and limited forearm and wrist range of motion. With fracture of the radial shaft, a surgeon must have a high suspicion of DRUJ instability and perform a thorough examination after radial fixation. Anatomical fixation of the radius fracture and DRUJ stabilization will reduce the need of future salvage procedures associated with a missed or inadequately treated Galeazzi fracture-dislocation.