Monteggia Fractures Dislocations

Case Example

Bilateral Monteggia Fracture Dislocations

A previously healthy female, 53 years of age, fell when she tripped while carrying a laundry basket down steps landing on the dorsal aspects of her flexed elbows, and had immediate pain in both upper extremities. Radiographs revealed bilateral (right- and left-sided) Monteggia fractures with posterior dislocations of both radial heads (Bado type-II injuries). She was referred to David L. Helfet, MD and Andrew J. Weiland, MD at the Orthopedic Trauma Service at Hospital for Special Surgery. ORIF was performed by Dr. Helfet and Dr. Weiland with placement of plates, screws a single cerclage wire (left-side) and interfragmentary lag screws. She most recently returned for routine follow-up at 1 year following fracture surgery with excellent radiographic and clinical results including healed Monteggia fractures, complete resolution of pain, excellent range of motion, and she has returned to all activities of daily living.

Kloen P, Rubel IF, Farley TD, Weiland AJ, Helfet DL: "Bilateral Monteggia fractures."
Am J Orthop. 2003 Feb;32(2):98-100.

Anteroposterior, and lateral injury radiographs of the right-sided Monteggia fracture-dislocation and
lateral radiograph of the left-sided Monteggia fracture-dislocation; respectively.

Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs at 12 months illustrating healed Monteggia
fracture-dislocations in excellent alignment.

Clinical pictures at 12 months demonstrating excellent range of motion.

Research Publications

The HSS Orthopedic Trauma Service has conducted many studies. Please see our publications on radius fractures.