Management of old unreduced Monteggia fracture dislocations of the elbow in children

Abstract

Six cases of old unreduced Monteggia fracture dislocation are reported. All cases were treated by surgical reconstruction. The author concludes that the essential feature of a stable result is complete correction of the ulna deformity. It is suggested that the natural history of unreduced Monteggia fracture dislocations is not benign and surgical treatment < or = 6 years after the initial injury appears justified. The surgical technique is described.