Monteggia fracture
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohammadmain Rezazadehsaatlou[2].
Overview
The Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the ulna that affects the joint with the radius.
More precisely, it is a fracture of the proximal third of the ulna with the dislocation of the head of the radius.
Classification
- Flexion type
- Extension type
The type depends on the displacement of the fracture fragment. The cause most frequently is a fall on an outstretched hand.
Management
Monteggia fractures may be managed conservatively in children, but due to high risk of displacement causing malunion, open reduction and internal fixation is typically done.