GALEAZZI-EQUIVALENT INJURIES OF THE WRIST IN CHILDREN

Fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the distal ulna, the so-called Galeazzi fracture, is uncommon in children. A variant, the ''Galeazzi-equivalent fracture'' involving a separation of the distal ulnar growth plate with displacement of the ulnar metaphysis was shown to be more common than the ''classic'' Galeazzi fracture in a 15-year review of this fracture pattern at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. An analysis of outcome of 10 fractures showed less favorable results in the six Galeazzi-equivalent fractures compared to the four classic Galeazzi injuries, with one child sustaining a complete growt h plate arrest of the distal ulna secondary to an equivalent injury. R ecognition of the Galeazzi-equivalent fracture pattern is sometimes di fficult. To define the various fracture patterns in an attempt to faci litate diagnosis and management, a classification of the Galeazzi inju ry complex in children has been devised. Reduction of all Galeazzi inj ury patterns is best accomplished with the forearm in full supination in an above-elbow cast.