What is the name of this fracture, and what are the key features?
A Galeazzi fracture-dislocation consists of a radial fracture (distal) and a dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint.
What additional feature is demonstrated which increases the risk of postoperative sepsis?
This fracture is open, with locules of gas in the soft tissue adjacent to the distal ulna.
What structural damage can be assumed to be present when shortening of the radius is by more than 1cm?
Complete disruption of the distal part of the interosseous membrane.
What Galeazzi equivalent fracture is seen in children, and what complication is seen in about half of cases?
Fracture of the distal radius and a growth plate injury of the distal ulna. Physeal arrest occurs in up to 55% of cases, resulting in a shortened ulna.
Open transverse fracture at the junction of the distal and middle third of the radial diaphysis with volar dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint. Note that the radius is overriding by 2-3 cm.