Monteggia fracture
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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 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 maybe managed conservatively in children, but due to high risk of displacement causing malunion open reduction and internal fixation is typically done.