Ballistic Galeazzi Fractures: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Ballistic Injury Research

Background:

• Galeazzi fractures are typically caused by high-energy trauma, rarely by ballistic mechanisms due to insufficient torsional forces.
• Existing literature on gunshot-induced Galeazzi fractures consists primarily of isolated case reports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the largest case series of Galeazzi fractures resulting from gunshot wounds.
• To investigate the mechanism, management, and outcomes of these injuries.
• To provide new insights into ballistic mechanisms causing Galeazzi fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of six patients with Galeazzi fractures from low-velocity gunshot wounds.
• All patients underwent operative fixation of the radial shaft with rigid internal fixation.
• Intraoperative assessment of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability post-fixation.

Main Results:

• Six patients (4 males, 2 females) aged 25-52 sustained these injuries.
• All achieved fracture healing and functional forearm rotation with stable DRUJ post-fixation.
• No patient required further surgery despite initial radial shortening.

Conclusions:

• Ballistic mechanisms can cause Galeazzi fractures without classic torsional loading.
• Rigid fixation of the radial shaft may suffice for DRUJ stability in these cases.
• Fracture pattern, not just mechanism, should guide management decisions.