Galeazzi's fracture has been defined as a fracture of the distal part of the radial diaphysis that is associated with rupture of the capsule and ligaments of the distal radioulnar joint. This fracture is infrequent and shows the tendency to redisplacement after reduction due to various factors including strong muscles (the brachioradialis, the pronator quadratus, the thumb aHuctors and extensors) and the distal radioulnar joint instability.

Because of these factors, the treatment of choice for Galeazzis fracture is open reduction and internal fuation.

The authors reviewed the cases of 22 patients with GaleazBis fracture who had been treated surgically form January 1988 to December 1993.

The results were as follows

1. There were 18 males and 4 females. The age range was from 19 to 54 years(average, 31 years).

2. The fracture occured mostly at the junction of the middle and distal third of the radial diaphysis in 13 cases(59%).

3. In 16 cases(73%), the fractures were closed and in 6 cases(27%), open. In 17 cases(78%), the fractures were simple and in 5 cases(22%), comminuted.

4. Radiograph signs of the distal radioulnar joint disruption was positive in 86% of the cases.

5. Operative treatment was performed in all cases. Operative treatment resulted in an excellent outcome in 11 cases(50%), a fair outcome in 7 cases(31%) and poor in 4 cases(17%).

6. Among 9 cases. complications were delayed union in 3 cases, subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint in 3 cases, superfical wound infection in 1 case, injury of sensory branch of radial nerve in 1 case and angulation(5 ↑)in 1 case.