[Monteggia injuries]

Sixty-three recent Monteggia lesions are reported, which were all treated operatively. In 52 patients, the ulna was stabilized by a compression plate. Dislocation of the radial head was reduced by a closed procedure in 24 patients and 38 patients an open operation was performed (including fractures, sutures of the annular ligament, and resections of the radial head). After 38 months, the results were better in comparison to series using conservative or medullary pinning (88% good and very good). Poor results must be expected if the operation is delayed for 2 or more weeks, if the radial head has to be resected, or in posterior Monteggia lesions. The late reconstruction of a neglected Monteggia lesion by means of an osteotomy of the ulna shaft and plate fixation is described in a child.