Delayed Treatment of a Galeazzi Fracture Using an External Ring Fixator

Although fractures of the forearm and also Galeazzi fractures are normally treated by open reduction and internal compression plate fixation, Ilizarov published good results using his ring fixator even for these injuries. Because a patient with a Galeazzi fracture denied in-hospital stay and open reduction and internal fixation of the radius shaft, he was treated by means of external fixation.

A50-year-old patient presented 4 weeks after a Galeazzi injury without initial treatment and a shortened radius shaft associated with a dislocated distal radioulnar joint. Through a ring fixator, the fragments were distracted, reduced, and stabilized. Besides an uncomplicated pin-tract infection, the injury healed uneventfully with a very good outcome and very high patient satisfaction still 25 years after the injury.

By applying the principles of bone healing and osteosynthesis, even older or unconventional treatment strategies can be indicated and conducted successfully in individual patients, leading to good results and high patient satisfaction.