Complex volar distal radioulnar joint dislocation occurring in a Galeazzi fracture

The Galeazzi fracture-dislocation of the forearm consists of a transverse or short oblique fracture of the radius at the junction of the middle and distal thirds with an associated subluxation or dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Anatomic reduction with rigid internal fixation of the radius typically produces anatomic reduction of the distal radioulnar joint and is the favored treatment. At least three cases of a mechanically blocked distal radioulnar joint requiring open reduction through a separate exposure have been reported. In all three cases there was dorsal displacement of the ulna. We report a case of an irreducible volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint following open anatomic reduction of the radius.