Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooGaleazzi Fracture
Elbow, Wrist & Hand
What It Is
A Galeazzi fracture is a break in the radius (one of the two forearm bones) together with a dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint, the joint near the wrist where the two forearm bones meet. Typically, the radius breaks in its lower third, closer to the wrist, and the distal radio-ulnar joint is dislocated or partly dislocated (subluxed) (Alajmi, 2020). The injury disrupts the forearm's rotation axis.
Galeazzi fractures are uncommon. They make up around 7 percent of forearm fractures in adults and around 3 percent in children (Alajmi, 2020; Dinh, Le and Nguyen, 2026). They are usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm (Alajmi, 2020).
Galeazzi Fracture Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How a Galeazzi Fracture Is Treated
Tips
- If possible, try to avoid falling onto an outstretched arm. If you are falling, try not to put your arm out in front of you to catch yourself, or, if you have time, roll onto your side as you fall.
- Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) can mean that a minor fall causes a broken bone, and a broken wrist is one of the most common injuries in people with osteoporosis (NHS, 2022a). If you break a bone after a minor fall, ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner whether you should be checked for osteoporosis; they may refer you for a bone density (DEXA) scan (NHS, 2022a).
- If you are at risk of osteoporosis, eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes calcium and vitamin D, which are important for healthy bones (NHS, 2022b).
- Broken wrists and forearms can happen even in the healthiest bones if the force of the injury is great enough.
- Wearing a wrist guard can help prevent some fractures in high-risk sports such as snowboarding and motocross.
Treatment
My Approach
After a Galeazzi fracture, the radius and the joint near your wrist need time to heal, but a forearm kept still for weeks gets stiff and weak. Your surgical or fracture team decides how long your arm is protected. I work inside those limits, and because this fracture is usually treated with surgery, I need your team's okay before any hands-on treatment.
Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.
While It's Protected
- Easing the neck, shoulders and other arm, which work harder while one arm is out of action
- Gentle lymphatic drainage above the cast or splint, and keeping the shoulder, fingers and, if allowed, the elbow moving
Once Your Team Allows More
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to get help
Get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have broken your arm or wrist (NHS, 2026). Call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital if, after an injury to your arm or wrist (NHS, 2026):
- the arm or wrist is numb, tingling or has pins and needles
- you have a bad cut that is bleeding heavily
- a bone is sticking out of the skin
- the arm or wrist has changed colour or shape, or is at an odd angle
Do not eat or drink anything in case you need an operation (NHS, 2026).
Sources
References
- Alajmi, T. (2020) 'Galeazzi fracture dislocations: an illustrated review', Cureus, 12(7), e9367. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9367
- Dinh, M.N., Le, T.G.A. and Nguyen, P.D. (2026) 'Persistent distal radioulnar joint dislocation after surgical treatment of Galeazzi fracture-dislocation: a case report and review of the literature', Trauma Case Reports, 62, 101349. doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101349
- NHS (2026) Broken arm or wrist. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-arm-or-wrist/ (Accessed: 8 October 2026).
- NHS (2022a) Osteoporosis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- NHS (2022b) Osteoporosis – prevention. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/prevention/ (Accessed: 8 October 2026).