The Galeazzi-Equivalent Lesion in Children Revisited

Abstract

A fracture at the medial end of the distal third of the radius with an epiphyseal separation of the distal ulna in a 16-year-old boy is described. This injury, known as the Galeazzi-equivalent lesion in children, is characterized by complete distal ulnar epiphyseal separation without rupture of the distal ligamentous stabilizing system between the radius and ulna, which includes the triangular fibrocartilage complex, interosseous ligaments and periosteal tube of the ulnar. The Galeazzi fracture-dislocation and the Galeazzi-equivalent lesion appear to be completely dissimilar in their pathological anatomy. We suggest calling the latter a “pseudo-Galeazzi injury”.