Complex Monteggia Fractures in the Adult Cohort: Injury and Management.

Monteggia fractures involve proximal ulna fracture associated with a radiocapitellar joint dislocation. The Bado classification is primarily based on the direction of the radial head dislocation. The Jupiter subtype classification of Bado II fractures further characterizes the severity of proximal ulna comminution and the involvement of the coronoid fragment. This latter classification can better prognosticate the challenges of surgical reconstruction and clinical outcomes. Surgery for all adult Monteggia fractures is required to restore the anatomic alignment of the ulna, which indirectly reduces the radiocapitellar joint. The complexity of the injury is considerably increased by comminution of the proximal ulna, the degree of radial head fragmentation, the reduction of the radial head, and ulnohumeral instability. Anatomic reduction is considered critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

Effect of ulnar angulation and soft tissue sectioning on radial head stability in anterior Monteggia injuries: an in vitro biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Radial head instability continues to be a challenge in the management of anterior Monteggia injuries; however, there is a paucity of literature on the factors that contribute to this instability. The aim of this biomechanical investigation was to examine the effects of ulnar angulation and soft tissue insufficiency on radial head stability in anterior Monteggia injuries. METHODS: Six cadaveric arms were mounted in an elbow motion simulator. Radial head translation was measured during simulated active elbow flexion with the forearm supinated. After testing the elbows in the intact state, the ulna was osteotomized and tested at 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° of extension angulation. To examine the effect of soft tissue insufficiency, the anterior radiocapitellar joint capsule, annular ligament, quadrate ligament, and the proximal and middle interosseous membrane (IOM) were sequentially sectioned. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in anterior radial head translation with greater ulnar extension angulation. Sequential soft tissue sectioning also significantly increased anterior radial head translation. There was no increase in radial head translation with isolated sectioning of the anterior radiocapitellar joint capsule. Additional sectioning of the annular ligament and quadrate ligament slightly increased anterior radial head translation but did not reach statistical significance. Subsequent sectioning of the proximal and middle IOM resulted in significant increases in anterior radial head translation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that progressive ulnar extension angulation results in an incremental increase in anterior radial head translation in anterior Monteggia injuries. Moreover, increasing magnitudes of soft tissue disruption result in greater anterior radial head instability.

Effect of soft tissue injury and ulnar angulation on radial head instability in a Bado type I Monteggia fracture model.

The effects of soft tissue damage and ulnar angulation deformity on radial head instability in Monteggia fractures are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that radial head instability correlates with the magnitude of ulnar angular deformity and the degree of proximal forearm soft tissue injury in Bado type I Monteggia fractures.We performed a biomechanical study in 6 fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities. Monteggia fractures were simulated by anterior ulnar angulation osteotomy and sequential sectioning of ligamentous structures. We measured radial head displacement during passive mobility testing in pronation, supination, and neutral rotation using an electromagnetic tracking device. Measurements at various ligament sectioning stages and ulnar angulation substages were statistically compared with those in the intact elbow.Radial head displacement increased with sequential ligament sectioning and increased proportionally with the degree of anterior ulnar angulation. Annular ligament sectioning resulted in a significant increase in displacement only in pronation (P < .05). When the anterior ulnar deformity was reproduced, the radial head displaced least in supination. The addition of proximal interosseous membrane sectioning significantly increased the radial head displacement in supination (P < .05), regardless of the degree of anterior ulnar angulation.Our Monteggia fracture model showed that radial head instability is influenced by the degree of soft tissue damage and ulnar angulation. Annular ligament injury combined with a minimal (5°) ulnar deformity may cause elbow instability, especially in pronation. The proximal interosseous membrane contributes to radial head stability in supination, regardless of ulnar angulation, and proximal interosseous membrane injury led to significant radial head instability in supination.

Instability of the proximal radioulnar joint in Monteggia fractures-an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: A Monteggia fracture is defined as a fracture of the proximal ulna combined with a luxation of the radial head. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the extent of instability of the radius head in the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) as a function of the severity of elbow fracture and ligamentous injury in an experimental biomechanical approach. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaver arms were used. All soft tissues were removed except for the ligamentous structures of the PRUJ and forearm. A tensile force of 40 N was exerted laterally, anteriorly or posteriorly onto the proximal radius. The dislocation in the PRUJ was photometrically recorded and measured by two independent examiners. After manual dissection of the ligamentous structures up to the interosseous membrane, the instability was documented and subsequently measured. The following dissection levels were differentiated: intact ligamentous structures, dissection of annular ligament, oblique cord and proximal third of interosseous membrane. RESULTS: An anterior instability remains relatively constant until the proximal third of the interosseous membrane is dissected. The radial head already dislocates relevantly in the posterior direction after dissection of the annular ligament with an additional considerable stability anteriorly and laterally. Subsequently, the posterior instability increases less pronouncedly in regard of distal resected structures. The lateral instability increases constantly during the progressing resection of the ligamentous structures. CONCLUSION: On the one hand, a complete healing of the ligament injury after functional treatment is hardly conceivable with ligamentary damage up to the level of the proximal interosseous membrane. A remaining instability of the proximal radius could therefore be a possible cause for the unsatisfactory clinical results after certain Monteggia fractures. On the other hand, the present study may give a possible explanation (i.e. early dorsal radius head dislocation after dissection of annular ligament) why the Bado II injury is the most frequent type of Monteggia fractures.

Repair of Bado II Monteggia Fracture: Case Presentation and Surgical Technique.

INTRODUCTION: Monteggia fractures are rare, although complex elbow injuries. Bado II Monteggia fractures are characterized by posterior dislocation of the radial head and concurrent fracture of the proximal or middle third of the ulna. This video demonstrates the open reduction and internal fixation of a complex Bado II Monteggia fracture dislocation. METHODS: The patient is a 65-year-old woman with a Bado II Monteggia fracture after a low-energy fall from standing height. Given the extent of comminution and the instability of the elbow, the patient was indicated for surgical fixation. RESULTS: This video demonstrates a locking plate technique for repair of a comminuted fracture of the proximal ulna. Anatomical reduction of ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar joints and stable fixation with bone grafting of the fracture are achieved with a medial 2.0/2.4-mm plate and a dorsal precontoured variable-angle locking plate. Demonstration of radial head arthroplasty is provided as an alternative for utilization in cases with a radial head fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical reduction and fixation of complex Monteggia fracture dislocations can be achieved with adherence to standard aspects of bony reconstruction. In this video we present the case of a Bado II Monteggia fracture surgically repaired with a locking plate construct.

A new approach for surgical treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of a combined anterior and posterior approach for the surgical treatment of chronic Monteggia fractures in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2010 to January 2018, 33 patients (27 boys and 6 girls) with chronic Monteggia fracture who were treated surgically by one surgeon of our department were retrospectively analyzed. In the surgical procedure, open reduction and excision of fibrous scar were performed with the anterior Henry's approach, while ulnar osteotomy was carried out with a posterior approach. In cases of unstable radial head reduction, a trans-capitellar K wire was applied. Repair or reconstruction of the annular ligament (ALR) was not undertaken. RESULTS: The average follow-up of the patients was 33.8 months (range 8-87 months). At the last follow-up, Mayor Score and function of flexion and extension showed significant improvement compared to preoperative condition (p < 0.05). Two patients with palsy of the deep branch of the radial nerve with neurolysis recovered to normal over a 3-month follow-up. Redislocation occurred in two patients while subluxation occurred in one. One patient suffered a mild ischemic contracture but gradually recovered. Other severe complications, nerve injuries, heterotopic ossification, or synostosis, were not noted in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: A combined anterior and posterior approach for surgery resulted in a satisfactory outcome due to the advantages of better exposure, more convenient intraoperative management, and facilitate for radial nerve exploration. Our study provided a new approach for the surgery of chronic Monteggia fractures.

Rehabilitation of neglected Monteggia fracture: Dislocations in children.

PURPOSE: There are limited studies related to the rehabilitation of neglected Monteggia fracture-dislocations. This study reports the results of the rehabilitation of neglected Monteggia fractures and dislocations and the best treatment options available. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen children were rehabilitated between 2009 and 2012. A retrospective chart review was conducted to record the following: age, gender, anatomic region of fractures, time delay from symptom onset to fracture, Bado classification, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) which includes pain, range of motion and daily life comfort, surgeries, length of hospitalization, location and pattern of fracture, length of follow-up and complications. RESULTS: The study group included thirteen children and adolescents; eleven males and two females with a mean age of 8.5 (range 2-15) years. According to the Bado classification, 11 patients had type 1, one had type 3 and one had type 4 fracture-dislocations. For Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) scales, patients that were less than ten years old had greater mean scores. Two patients had superficial infection, one had subluxation, one had osteoarthritis, one had delayed bone union and two had rigidity at the elbow. CONCLUSION: The goals of elbow rehabilitation following Neglected Monteggia cases include restoring function by restoring motion and muscle performance; influencing scar remodeling and preventing joint contracture; and restoring or maintaining joint stability. Patients aged younger than 10 years and intervals of less than one-year, between trauma and diagnosis, as well as early and effective rehabilitation were found as important parameters regarding favorable outcomes.

Impact of Open Reduction on Surgical Strategies for Missed Monteggia Fracture in Children.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to review our cases of missed Monteggia fracture treated by open reduction of the radial head with or without ulnar osteotomy and to investigate the indications for open reduction alone in surgical treatment of missed Monteggia fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients who presented with missed Monteggia fracture. The patients' mean age at the time of surgery was 7.6 years. The mean interval from injury to surgery was 16.1 months. The surgical procedure consisted of open reduction of the radiocapitellar joint followed by ulnar osteotomy without reconstruction of the annular ligament. The mean period of follow-up was 3.8 years. Radiographic assessment was performed for the maximum ulnar bow (MUB) and the location of the MUB. Clinical results were evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and Kim's scores. RESULTS: Five patients underwent open reduction alone, and 17 patients underwent open reduction and ulnar osteotomy. When the MUB was less than 4 mm and the location of the MUB was in the distal 40% of the ulna, we could achieve reduction of the radial head without ulnar osteotomy. The radial head was maintained in a completely reduced position in 21 patients and was dislocated in one patient at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Open reduction alone can be an attractive surgical option in select patients with missed Monteggia fracture with minimal bowing of the distal ulna. However, ulnar osteotomy should be considered in patients with a definite ulnar deformity.

Surgical treatment of Monteggia variant fracture dislocations of the elbow in adults: surgical technique and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Monteggia variant defined as Monteggia fracture dislocation with radial head or neck fracture, coronoid fracture, ulnohumeral joint dislocation or combination of these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of surgical treatment of Monteggia variant fracture dislocations with focus on the operative technique and management of associated radial head fractures. METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2014, 22 patients (7 men, 15 women) with a mean age of 58.9 years (45-77 years) and unilateral Monteggia variant were included. The mean follow-up was 4.1 years (2.2-6.6 years). Patients underwent clinical and functional assessment using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and the Oxford Elbow Score. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had radial head fractures; in five patients the fracture fragment involved less than one-third of the radial head and the fragment was excised, in four patients the radial head fracture was fixed with headless screws and in nine patients the radial head was replaced. At review the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 76.6 (20-100) and the Oxford Elbow Score 35 (4-48). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that satisfactory outcomes can be obtained in the treatment of the complex Monteggia variant fracture dislocations by recognising the injury pattern and addressing all components of the injury in order to achieve elbow stability.

Pediatric Monteggia Fracture-Dislocations: Avoiding Problems and Managing Complications.

Monteggia fracture-dislocations typically involve a dislocation of the radial head with an associated fracture of the ulnar shaft. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of these acute injuries result in excellent outcomes. Unfortunately, a Monteggia fracture-dislocation is often missed during diagnostic testing and results in a chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation. The subsequent timing and treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations are debatable because outcomes are suboptimal. Therefore, it is critical that the initial injury be correctly diagnosed and treated as close to the time of injury as possible to ensure excellent outcomes.

Successful Strategies for Managing Monteggia Injuries.

Monteggia fracture-dislocations refer to traumatic ulnar fractures associated with proximal radioulnar and radiocapitellar joint instability. Careful clinical and radiographic evaluation of the entire limb in the acutely injured child is critical for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment principles include restoring and maintaining both ulnar length and alignment as well as radiocapitellar joint reduction. Recent information suggests that surgical treatment of acute injuries associated with complete ulnar fractures is safe and effective in maintaining bone and joint alignment. In cases of late presentation or missed diagnoses, chronic reconstruction may be considered in symptomatic patients with preserved radiocapitellar morphology. Although challenging, ulnar osteotomy and open joint reduction with or without ligament reconstruction may restore joint congruity in the majority of patients.

Stabilizing incomplete reduction of the radial head using a hinged splint: conservative treatment for a Monteggia equivalent lesion.

Radial head dislocation associated with plastic bowing of the ulna is classified as a Monteggia equivalent lesion. This injury in children can be treated by closed reduction, but manipulative reduction may not completely correct plastic bowing of the ulna. We encountered two cases of incomplete reduction in which the radial head was reduced in a supination position, but redislocated during rotation from neutral to a pronation position. The patients were treated conservatively using an adjustable hinged elbow splint. Plain radiography at 6 weeks after incomplete closed reduction showed that the radial head was reduced in all positions from supination to pronation; thus, both patients had good outcomes. Our method is non-invasive and may be an option for treatment of incomplete reduction of radial head dislocation with acute plastic bowing of the ulna.

Neglected Monteggio lesion--is full recovery expected?

Eleven cases of chronic (neglected) Monteggia lesion, presented after 6 months of injury, were treated with angulation distraction osteotomy of ulna and annular ligament reconstruction from January 2003 to June 2008 atNRS Medical College, Kolkata. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 56 months, assessed on deformity, pain, function and range of motion. There were terminal restriction of at least 15 degrees pronation in each case.

Incarceration of the radial head associated with a radial head fracture, radiocapitellar dislocation, and proximal radioulnar translocation.

We present a case report of an individual who sustained a locked proximal radioulnar joint fracture-translocation after a mechanical fall. After a failed attempt at closed reduction, intraoperative exploration revealed that the dislocated and fractured radial head was incarcerated along the medial aspect of the coronoid. After open reduction and internal fixation, the patient went on to uneventful healing and return of adequate function. To our knowledge, this is the first case report documenting an incarcerated fracture-translocation along the radiocapitellar and proximal radioulnar joints that required operative treatment.

Long-term evaluation of surgically treated anterior monteggia fractures in skeletally mature patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional and radiological long-term outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of skeletally mature patients with a Bado type 1 Monteggia fracture. METHODS: We identified 11 consecutive skeletally mature patients who had surgical treatment of an anterior (Bado type 1) Monteggia fracture. Long-term evaluation at a median of 20 years after injury (range, 7-34 years) was compared with an early evaluation at a median of 13 months after injury (range, 11-32 months). The early and long-term results were evaluated radiographically and according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. The long-term result was also evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and the Disabilities of the Arm Should and Hand scores. RESULTS: Two patients had subsequent surgery to address a nonunion and 3 elbows had radiographic signs of arthrosis. The mean arc of elbow flexion increased from 110 degrees (range, 35 degrees to 140 degrees) at early follow-up to 120 degrees (range, 40 degrees to 150 degrees) at late follow-up. The mean arc of forearm rotation increased from 145 degrees (range, 90 degrees to 180 degrees) to 149 degrees (range, 90 degrees to 180 degrees). The mean Broberg and Morrey score increased from 89 points (range, 62-100 points) to 94 points (range, 76-100 points). The median DASH score was 7 points (range, 0-34 points) at long-term follow-up. There was no statistical difference between early and late range of motion or Broberg and Morrey score. CONCLUSIONS: The results of open reduction and internal fixation of anterior Monteggia fractures in skeletally mature patients are maintained over long-term follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after open reduction for missed Monteggia fracture-dislocations in children.

BACKGROUND: There have been few reports on the long-term outcomes after the operative treatment of missed Monteggia fracture-dislocations in children. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after open reduction for the treatment of a missed Monteggia fracture-dislocation. METHODS: We postoperatively investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes for twenty-two children with a missed Monteggia fracture. The study group included fourteen boys and eight girls who had had a mean age of ten years (range, four years to fifteen years and eleven months) at the time of open reduction. Each patient had been managed with open reduction of the radial head combined with a posterior bending elongation ulnar osteotomy and anular ligament reconstruction. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were reviewed over a mean duration of follow-up of seven years. RESULTS: The postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Index at the time of follow-up ranged from 65 to 100, with nineteen excellent, two good, one fair, and no poor results. The radial head remained in a completely reduced position in seventeen patients and was subluxated in five patients at the time of the latest follow-up. In four patients, osteoarthritic changes were observed at the radiohumeral joint. Radiographically, there were fifteen good, seven fair, and no poor results. A good radiographic result was obtained in all of the patients who had undergone open reduction within three years after the injury or before the age of twelve years, whereas a fair result was obtained in seven of the remaining eight patients. CONCLUSIONS: If open reduction for the treatment of a missed Monteggia fracture is performed when the patient is less than twelve years of age or within three years after the injury, good long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes can be expected.

The natural history of a mistreated ipsilateral Galeazzi and Monteggia lesion: report of a case 39 years post-injury.

Galeazzi injury combined with ipsilateral Monteggia lesion is extremely rare. A 45-year-old male patient with a mistreated Galeazzi lesion combined with an ipsilateral Monteggia fracture at the age of 6 is presented. Thirty-nine years post-injury his elbow was asymptomatic and stable and his distal radioulnar and radiocarpal joints were also asymptomatic. The strength of the limb was equal to the unaffected contralateral upper limb and he was able to work manually as a waiter for the last 20 years without any problem. The only obvious defect was a 30 degrees lack of elbow flexion and a 10 degrees lack of forearm pronation in comparison to the normal side.

Monteggia fracture-dislocation: a case report, its' initial management and review of bado's classification.

Fracture of proximal ulna and dislocation of the proximal radio-ulna joint in the same arm is called Monteggia fracture- dislocation. Four clinical variants of this fracture- dislocation have been described in literature. This is a report and description of initial management of a fracture- dislocation, which was consequent to a sideswipe injury and consisted of a combination of the following injuries; lateral dislocation of the radial head, fractures of the olecranon and proximal ulna in the left forearm. The radial head dislocation and fracture of the olecranon were open. The head of the radius was exposed through the same wound. This fracture-dislocation resembled type 3 Bado's classification of Monteggia fracture-dislocation because of fracture of the olecranon close to the coronoid process and lateral dislocation of the head of radius.

Does a Monteggia variant lesion result in a poor functional outcome?: A retrospective study.

UNLABELLED: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and functional outcomes after operative fixation of ipsilateral fractures of the proximal ulna, radial head or neck, and radial head dislocation (Monteggia variant). Twenty of 25 patients who sustained this injury returned for followup at a mean of 2.3 years and were evaluated by an independent examiner. Radiographically, 17 of 20 fractures united after the index surgery. The three patients who had nonunions develop had Bado Type 2 fracture patterns. The fractures of two patients united after revision internal fixation, and bone grafting. Seven patients had heterotopic ossification develop and 14 of 20 patients had arthritic changes develop. The mean Broberg and Morrey score was 79.1 (range, 32.5-100) and the mean disability of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 64.1 (worse outcome than the general population). Eight of 20 patients required revision surgery (three for recurrent instability, three for nonunion of the ulna, one for radial head excision and hardware removal, and one for hardware removal alone). Nine of 20 patients had fair or poor outcomes according to the Broberg and Morrey scale. Physicians should counsel patients that functional impairment is common after these complex high-energy injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level IV (case series). See the Guideline for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.