Fracture along the length of the radius with injury at the distal radioulnar joint is known as which fracture?

• A. Galeazzi Fracture
• B. Colles Fracture
• C. Monteggia Fracture
• D. Smith Fracture

Answer: (A)

A Galeazzi fracture occurs when there is a fracture of the distal third of the radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. This pattern happens after a fall on an outstretched hand with the forearm rotated, and it disrupts the relationship between the radius and ulna at the wrist. The stability of the distal radioulnar joint relies on structures like the interosseous membrane and the triangular fibrocartilage complex; when the radius breaks at the distal shaft, these restraints can allow the DRUJ to dislocate, leading to instability even if the bone break looks modest on X-ray.

On imaging, you’ll see a distal radius fracture accompanied by signs of DRUJ disruption, such as misalignment of the ulna head relative to the radius. Management generally focuses on realigning and stabilizing the radius (often with surgical fixation) to restore the correct forearm length and DRUJ alignment; once the radius is anatomically rebuilt, the DRUJ may become stable or may need targeted reduction and immobilization.

This pattern differs from others: a Colles fracture is a distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation but without DRUJ dislocation; a Monteggia fracture is a proximal ulna fracture with dislocation of the radial head at the elbow; a Smith fracture is a distal radius fracture with volar (palmar) displacement but no DRUJ dislocation.