Background: Galeazzi fractures composed of a middle to distal third radius fracture with dislocation and/or instability at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) have been well described for decades. However, the inverse scenario has seldom if ever been described in the literature. Methods: We explore the case of a 25-year-old active patient who experienced a traumatic distal ulna fracture with dislocation of the DRUJ without a distal radius fracture. Results: It was successfully treated with open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. The patient regained equivalent strength and range of motion compared with the contralateral uninjured extremity. Conclusion: We feel this patient’s successful postoperative course can guide future treatment plans for orthopedic surgeons who encounter similar fractures.
MikicZD.Galeazzi fracture-dislocations. J Bone Joint Surg. 1975;57:1071-1080.
2.
McMurrayDMuralikuttanK.Volar dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint without fracture: a case report and literature review. Injury Extra. 2008;39:352-355.
SonohataMMineHTsurutaT, et al. Traumatic volar dislocation of the distal ulna with a fracture of the ulna styloid. Hand Surg. 2012;17:383-386.
5.
MittalRKulkarniRSubsposhSY, et al. Isolated volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint: how easy to miss!Eur J Emerg Med. 2004;11:113-116.
6.
DameronTB.Traumatic dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint. Clin Orthop Relat R. 1972;83:55-63.
7.
FrancobandieraCMaffulliNLeporeL.Distal radio-ulnar joint dislocation, ulna volar in a female body builder. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990;22(2):155-158.
8.
Rose-InnesAP.Anterior dislocation of the ulna at the inferior radio-ulnar joint; case reports with a discussion of the anatomy of rotation of the forearm. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1960;42B:515-521.
9.
KumarAIqbalMJ.Missed isolated volar dislocation of distal radio-ulnar joint: a case report. J Emerg Med. 1999;17(5):873-875.
10.
StuartPRBergerRALinscheidRL, et al. The dorsopalmar stability of the distal radioulnar joint. J Hand Surg: Am. 2000;25(4):689-699.
11.
EkenstamFHagartCG.Anatomical studies on the geometry and stability of the distal radioulnar joint. Hand Clin. 1987;3(1):41-50.
12.
HagertCG.The distal radioulnar joint. Hand Clin. 1987;3(1):41-50.
13.
KleinmanWB.Stability of the distal radioulnar joint: biomechanics, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis, and restoration of function—what we have learned in 25 years. J Hand Surg: Am. 2007;32(7):1086-1106.
14.
XuJTangJB.In vivo changes in lengths of the ligaments stabilizing the distal radioulnar joint. J Hand Surg: Am. 2009;34(1):40-45.
15.
PidgeonTSCriscoJJWaryaszGR, et al. Ulnar styloid base fractures cause distal radioulnar joint instability in a cadaveric model. Hand. 2018;13(1):65-73.
16.
SammerDMChungKC.Management of the distal radioulnar joint and ulnar styloid fracture. Hand Clin. 2012;28(2):199-206.
JakabEGanosDLGagnonS.Isolated intra-articular fracture of the ulnar head. J Orthop Trauma. 1993;7(3):290-292.
19.
SolanMCReesRMolloyS, et al. Internal fixation after intra-articular fracture of the distal ulna. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2003;85(2):279-280.
20.
GoikoetxeaXGarmillaIEtxebarriaI, et al. Isolated intra-articular fracture of the distal ulna: a rare injury related to airbag deployment. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(4):292-294.
21.
SeitzWHJrPapandreaRF. Fracture and dislocation of the wrist. In: BucholzBWHeckmanJD, eds. Rockwood and Green’s Fractures in Adults. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2001: 771-907.
22.
KashyapSFeinL.Surgical correction of recurrent volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991;266:85-89.
23.
KangHJShimDJYongSW, et al. Operative treatment of isolated distal ulnar shaft fracture. Yonsei Med J. 2002;43(5):631-636.
