[The malunited juvenile fracture--Monteggia defect]

Late reconstruction after neglected Monteggia lesions in children is discussed. On the basis of the literature (20 cases) and 2 personal cases it is deduced that open reduction of the radial head should be combined with osteotomy of the ulna according to the pathophysiology of the lesion. Details of the operative procedure are given. Reconstruction of the annular ligament is the least important part. Reconstruction is indicated in children under the age of 10-12 years even if the dislocation has been present for years. Unfavorable conditions for operative reconstruction are long-lasting dislocations in older children, deformation of the radial head, and imminent skeletal maturity.