Presentation
Left forearm trauma by heavy solid plastic pipe 2 weeks ago. Clinical examination revealed localized swelling and tenderness overlying mid-shaft of radius.
Patient Data
Fracture mid-shaft of the radius with mild dorsal angulation and overlying soft tissue swelling.
Intact distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and normal position of the distal ulna. No other fractures noted.
Case Discussion
Radiographs show an isolated radial shaft fracture is seen due to direct trauma. The patient was managed with open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) with a small dynamic compression plate (DCP).
When we encounter a radial fracture we should look at the distal radioulnar articulation to exclude Galeazzi fracture-dislocations. The different mechanism of injury is why the distal radioulnar joint is intact. Isolated radial shaft fractures were reported to be more common than Galeazzi fracture-dislocations 1.
If this type of injury occurs in ulna, it is called a night stick fracture. Another known combination is fracture shaft of both radius and ulna.
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