Fractures of the ulna with associ ated dislocation of the radial head are rare injuries in adults.  they are also termed as  Monteggia fractures after the surgeon who described the injury in early 19th century.

These injuries are more common in children and exact incidence in adults is unknown.

Clinical Presentation
The patient usually present with pain and swelling of the elbow and of upper third of forearm.  Often the radial head can be palpatedone can palpate the dislocated radial head.

The affected limb should be carefully examined for any neurological deficit and vascular deficit.Radial nerve injuries  are commonly associated with Monteggia fractures.

Any associated injury should be noted

Radiography
True anteroposterior and lateral x-rays of the elbow must be included in any upper extremity injury that involves a displaced fracture of the ulna.

Alignment of the radial head can be found by a simple test.

A line drawn down the shaft of the radius through the radial head should bisect the capitellum regardless of the position of the forearm.

If it does not, the radial head is subluxated or dislocated.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Related posts:

1. Monteggia Fracture Dislocation – Biomechanics of Injury and Principles of Treatment
2. Xray of Monteggia Fracture Dislocation
3. Fractures of Shaft Radius and Ulna – Clinical Presentation, Radiography and Diagnosis
4. Fractures of Shaft of Radius and Ulna – Mechanism of Injury
5. Operative Treatment of Monteggia Fracture Dislocation