Galeazzi and Essex-Lopresti Injuries

Injuries to the forearm can lead to fracture of the radius and/or as well as dissociation between the bones in the forearm. Galeazzi fractures occur when the injury fractures the radius shaft and proceeds through the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) yielding a dislocation or subluxation of the joint. In children, the DRUJ injury can be a true dislocation or a fracture-separation of the distal ulnar physisDistal ulnar physis. Anatomic reduction of the radius fracture typically leads to DRUJ stability unless soft tissues are interposed. The key to treatment is an anatomic fracture reduction and restoration of a stable DRUJ via closed or open methods. Once fracture healing has occurred, exercises can be initiated with a gradual return to full activities. Essex-Lopresti injuries are defined as injuries that disrupt the interosseous membrane and dissociate the radius and ulna. These injuries have not been described in skeletally immature children, but relegated to skeletally mature patients.