Functional and Radiographic Outcomes in Percutaneous Pin Fixation of Closed Galeazzi Fracture-Dislocation after Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)-Plating: A Comparison Between Early and Late Surgery

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Galeazzi fracture-dislocation is associated with   unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).

AIM

To compare the functional and radiographic outcomes of patients with Galeazzi   fracture dislocation who underwent   early and late surgery.

METHODS

This study was a single-center, prospective cohort   analytical design involving 65 patients with Galeazzi fracture dislocation who   underwent early surgery (≤56 days)   (n1=35) and late surgery (>56 days) (n2=30) from 2019 to 2021. Data   collected were patients’ demographic  profiles, radiographic parameters (posterior-anterior [PA] and lateral views), grip strength, and Disabilities of   Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. The comparison of the two groups   utilized the student t-test for continuous variables and the chi- square or   Fisher exact test for categorical variables at a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

No significant difference exists between patients who underwent early surgery and late surgery when compared by demographic profile (sex, age,   fracture type, handedness, same handedness-affected side), radiographic   parameters (PA and lateral views),   and mean grip strength and mean DASH score at 12 months post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Early and late surgery groups have comparable   functional and radiographic outcomes. Undergoing early surgery for closed   Galeazzi fracture dislocation has no advantage over late surgery. Therefore,   the therapeutic goal should be the anatomic reduction of Galeazzi fracture and DRUJ stabilization.