Radial Ulnar Fracture Dislocation/ Galeazzi Fracture (The “S” Arm)

Alex Bultman, Alyson DelPoso, and Natalie Titcomb

Caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm with a flexed elbow
Ensure the patient has full range of motion in the shoulder
Elbow, wrist, and hand exercises are only begun after a physician prescription
To test for motor function, ask the patient to make the ‘OK’ sign by toughing the tips of the first and second fingers with the thumb. The radial nerve can be tested by having the patient extend their fingers or wrist against resistance, and the ulnar nerve can be tested by having the patient separate their fingers against resistance.
Treatment depends on the type of fall. If there are fragments, internal fixation is used. If there are no fragments, it is treated by closed reduction with a long arm cast

Image retrieved from: http://kidshealthwa.com/guidelines/forearm-fractures/