Management of Monteggia Injuries in the Pediatric Patient

Radiocapitellar joint plasty for missed monteggia fracture with radial head deformity in children: a retrospective study

Purpose

The retrospective study reviewed the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated with radiocapitellar joint plasty.

Methods

10 children with missed Monteggia fracture (MMF) were reviewed. The average time from injury to operation was 20 months. The average age of children who underwent the operation was 10.5 years. 6 flat and 4 domed radial heads were included. 7 type I and 3 type III MMF were identified based on the Bado classification. All children with MMF were treated by open radial head reduction with radiocapitellar joint plasty and ulnar osteotomy (UO).

Results

The average union time was 4.9 ± 2.6 months. The average osteotomy angle to reduce the radial head was 15.7 ± 3.5°, and the average lengthening of the ulna was 8.2 ± 3.2 mm. The average preoperative flexion range of motion was 110.5 ± 9.1°, and the postoperative flexion range of motion was 138.8 ± 15.1° (p < 0.05). The average preoperative extension range of motion was 10.1 ± 3.2°, and the postoperative extension range of motion was 5.5 ± 3.3° (p < 0.05). The average preoperative pronation range of motion was 78.8 ± 8.7°, while the postoperative pronation range of motion was 81.1 ± 5.6° (p > 0.05). The average preoperative supination range of motion was 68.3 ± 9.7°, and the postoperative supination range of motion was 80.1 ± 7.8° (p < 0.05). The preoperative Kim score was 66.5 ± 10.9°, and the postoperative Kim score was 88.1 ± 12.6 (p < 0.05). The radial head was completely reduced in 9 patients, and subluxation in 1 patient. Osteoarthritis of the radiocapitellar joint was observed in 2 patients.

Conclusions

Radiocapitellar joint plasty is effective surgical intervention for MMF with radial head deformity. It yields favorable functional outcomes while ensuring continued radial head reduction.

Ulnar osteotomy and monolateral external fixator for the treatment of chronic Monteggia fractures in children: comparison between gradual and acute radial head reduction

This study evaluated the outcomes of chronic Monteggia fractures (CMFs) treated by ulnar osteotomy and monolateral external fixator (MEF), and compare the outcome of gradual versus acute radial head reduction. Two groups of patients were identified. Group 1: gradual reduction of the radial head ( n = 13); group 2: acute reduction ( n = 6). Clinical outcome was evaluated by Kim Elbow Score, whereas radiographic outcome was assessed on plain radiographs. The effect of age, side, time from initial trauma to surgery, rate of unplanned surgery, amount of angulation and lengthening, and final outcome were evaluated. Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with good radiographic outcome. Thirteen patients underwent gradual correction of the ulna. The mean duration of correction was 43.4 days (range, 21-82); the mean angulation and lengthening of the ulna were 22.8° (range, 0°-35°) and 22.2 mm (range, 12.2-40.9), respectively. Six patients underwent acute reduction intraoperatively, the mean angulation and lengthening of the ulna were 17.2° (range, 4°-33.9°) and 5.2 mm (range, 2.5-12.2), respectively. CMF treated by ulnar osteotomy and gradual distraction had better radiological outcome (Group 1; 92.3% 12/13) than those treated by acute reduction of the radial head (Group 2; 3/6, 50%) ( P = 0.071). Reoperation rate was found to be significantly correlated with a fair or poor radiographic results ( P = 0.016). Good clinical and radiological outcomes should be expected in CMF patients treated by gradual lengthening and angulation of the ulna with a MEF.

To Angulate or Not to Angulate the Ulna during the Progressive Distraction Period Performed with a Monolateral External Fixator in Paediatric Patients with a Chronic Monteggia Fracture?

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic evolution of chronic Monteggia fractures (CMFs) treated by ulnar osteotomy and monolateral external fixators (MEFs) with or without angulation of the ulna during the distraction period. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 20 children (14 boys and 6 girls) with CMFs. According to the strategy of ulnar lengthening, two groups of patients were identified: patients undergoing gradual lengthening with (Group A, n = 11) or without ulna angulation (Group B, n = 9). The mean age at the time of surgery was 7.7 years old (range, 5.4−12.9). The mean time from initial trauma to surgery was 26.3 months (range, 1−96), and the mean follow-up was 24.6 months (range, 5.5−45.4). Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Kim et al.’s Elbow Performance Score, while radiographic outcomes were assessed on plain radiographs. Results: Age at surgery, sex, laterality, time between trauma and surgery, and time of follow up in the two groups of patients showed no significant differences. The radial head was successfully reduced in 9 of 9 and 10 of 11 patients in Groups B and A, respectively (p = 1.00). The mean time to achieve radial head reduction was shorter in Group B (18.1 ± 5.3 days) than in Group A (39.2 ± 18.7 days; p = 0.004). The mean angulation of the ulna at the end of treatment was significantly lower in Group B (0.6° ± 1.1°) than in Group A (25.9° ± 6.3°; p < 0.0001). The average ulnar lengthening at the end of treatment in Group B (14.1 ± 5.8 mm) was, on average, 7.7 mm less than that in Group A (21.8 ± 9.7 mm; p = 0.05). The Kim et al. Elbow Performance Score at the last follow-up visit was comparable between the two groups of patients (p = 1.00). Conclusions: A shorter time to achieve radial head reduction and less deformity of the ulna can be expected in paediatric patients with CMFs undergoing intraoperative restoration of ulnar alignment and gradual lengthening without angulation postoperatively.

Neglected Monteggia Fractures in Children—A Retrospective Study

(1) Background: A Monteggia fracture is an infrequent injury in children. It can be missed during an initial consultation in 20–50% of patients. Chronic radial head dislocation may lead to several complications. Thus, surgical reconstruction of chronic Monteggia injuries is justified. The aim of this study is to analyze the single tertiary center experience in the treatment of neglected Monteggia fractures. (2) Methods: A retrospective study of patients treated for missed Monteggia fractures was conducted. Hospital records, operative charts, follow-up records and a set of X-rays were analyzed for each patient. Radiographic results were graded as good, moderate or poor. The functional status of elbows was estimated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index. (3) Results: A total of 13 patients (8 boys and 5 girls) aged 4–12 years (mean 7.15) were treated during the study period. An angulation osteotomy of the ulna was performed in ten patients and a radial shortening osteotomy in three patients. A Bell–Tawse annular ligament reconstruction was performed in five patients, and a direct repair was performed in two patients. Eight patients had radiocapitellar trans-fixation. There were nine good radiographic results, three moderate and one poor. The functional result was excellent in nine patients, good in three and poor in one. (4) Conclusions: Our work has many limitations (only 13 patients and different types of operations), and conclusions should be drawn very carefully from such a small and diverse group. The surgical reconstruction of neglected Monteggia fractures in children should be attempted in all patients. Angulation and elongation osteotomies of the ulna are suitable for most patients. If there is a marked overgrowth of the radius, gradual ulnar lengthening and radial head reduction using the Ilizarov method may be a better option. Annular ligament reconstruction is not mandatory.

Outcomes and experience after open reduction for chronic Monteggia fracture in children

BACKGROUND

The treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation (CMF) remains controversial and challenging for surgeons. We describe our initial experience with ulnar osteotomy and angulation on correction with modified open surgery and evaluate outcomes from clinical and radiographic findings.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 18 children with a mean age of 6.78±2.67 years old who underwent surgical treatment because of CMF. Electronic medical records of Bado type, complaints, Kim scores, and complications were recorded. Radiographic parameters of maximum interosseous distance (MID), proportional ulnar length (PUL), lengthening, and bending angle of the ulna were summarized. The final reduction statuses of the radial head were reviewed. Parameters were compared at the time of pre-operation and the last follow-up. The relationship between the lengthening and angulation of ulna and the interval was calculated.

RESULTS

The mean interval was 11.1 [1-48] months and the follow-up time was 46.6 [24-96] months. A good reduction was observed in 15 (83.33%) patients, while 3 (16.67%) patients were fair. Postoperatively, the Kim scores were improved, from 59.17±18.17 to 90±6.64 (P=0.000). The mean posterior bending angle was 12.88° (range, 3 to 25°), and the mean amount of elongation of the ulna was 8.78 mm (range, 3.61 to 17.52 mm). The lengthening of the ulna was proportional to the magnitude of angulation of the ulna (r=0.648, P=0.004), and a positive correlation was also seen between the lengthening and the interval (r=0.632, P=0.005) and the angulation and the interval (r=0.502, P=0.034). The PUL and MID were significantly increased from 1.06±0.03 and 1.11±0.26 to 1.13±0.11 (P=0.047) and 1.28±0.27 (P=0.021), separately.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight ulnar osteotomy as the essential procedure during reconstruction surgeries. Stabilization of the radial head with adequate elongation and balanced angulation of the osteotomy through direct observation is the main way to ensure and maintain satisfactory outcomes. With the extension of the interval, it is more necessary to increase the lengthening and angulation in positive proportion. PUL is a useful parameter in evaluating the mismatch between ulna and radius in CMF.

Management of acute length-unstable Monteggia fractures in children: A case report

BACKGROUND

Monteggia fractures are uncommon injuries in paediatric age. Treatment algorithms assert that length-unstable fractures are treated with plate fixation. In this case report, intramedullary fixation of an acute length-unstable Monteggia fracture allowed a stable reduction to be achieved, along with an appropriate ulnar length and alignment as well as radio capitellar reduction despite the fact that the orthopaedic surgeon did not use a plate for the ulnar fracture. The scope of treatment is to avoid the use of a plate that causes periosteal stripping and blood circulation disruption around the fracture.

CASE SUMMARY

A four-year-old girl presented at the Emergency Department following an accidental fall off a chair onto the right forearm. The X-ray highlighted a length-unstable acute Bado type 1 Monteggia fracture of the right forearm. On the same day, the patient underwent surgical treatment of the Monteggia fracture. The surgeon preferred not to use a plate to avoid a delay in fracture healing and to allow the micromotion necessary for callus formation. The operation comprised percutaneous fixation with an elastic intramedullary K-wire of the ulnar fracture and, subsequently, humeroradial joint reduction through manual manipulation. The orthopaedic surgeon assessed the stability of the radial head reduction under fluoroscopic control through flexion, extension, pronation and supination of the forearm. Healing of the fracture occurred within six weeks after surgery, as indicated by the presence of calluses on at least three cortices on standard radiographs. Dislocation/subluxation or loss of ulnar reduction was not apparent at the final X-ray examination.

CONCLUSION

Intramedullary fixation of unstable Monteggia fractures results in excellent outcomes, provides reliable reduction and causes fewer complications.