Combined elbow fracture-dislocation and Galeazzi fracture in an adult: a case report and review of the literature

摘要

INTRODUCTION: An injury pattern involving a middle to distal third radial fracture associated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation or instability is known as the Galeazzi fracture. It occurs in 6.8% of all adult diaphyseal forearm fractures. Posterior dislocation of the ulnohumeral joint can occur with a posterolateral or less commonly a varus posteromedial rotational force. A review of the English language literature in PubMed revealed only three previous reports of a posterior elbow dislocation and ipsilateral Galeazzi fracture. In all instances, the elbow dislocation was described as simple, needing only cast or splint immobilization. The patient presented here had a varus posteromedial rotational elbow injury and an ipsilateral Galeazzi fracture, both treated surgically.