Monteggia Fractures: Assessment of the Results of a Series of 17 Cases

Abstract

The Monteggia fracture is characterized by a combination of cubital fracture and radial head dislocation. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 17 cases of Monteggia fracture-dislocation, which were collected between 2006 and 2011 in the Traumatology-Orthopedics department of Ibn Sina Hospital. Patients ranged in age from 16 to 56 years, and radial head dislocation was anterior in 11 cases, posterior in 3 cases, and lateral in 3 cases. According to the Bado classification, the anatomopathological aspect was type I in 10 cases, type II in 3 cases, type III in 3 cases, and type IV in one case. All patients were surgically treated by osteosynthesis, with different types of cubital fracture fixation. Functional results were evaluated using DASH and Broberg-Morrey scores, which showed 36% very good results, 45% good results, 9.5% average results, and 9.5% poor results. In conclusion, it is important to diagnose and treat Monteggia fractures early, which require a quality radiograph to detect radial head dislocation. Functional results are satisfactory if appropriate treatment is applied.