Monteggia Fracture in an Extremely Preterm Infant with Biochemical Rickets: A Case Report
Luke Viehl1, Brian A Kelly2, William McAlister3
1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine at St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
Insights
This case report details a preterm neonate with biochemical rickets and a Monteggia fracture. Percutaneous pinning achieved complete healing and full range of motion, highlighting a unique fracture type in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric endocrinology
Background:
- Biochemical rickets can predispose preterm neonates to unique skeletal injuries.
- Monteggia fractures are rare in the neonatal period, especially in preterm infants with fragile bones.
- Optimal management strategies for these fractures in neonates are not well-established.
Case:
A preterm neonate with biochemical rickets is found to have a Monteggia fracture. The infant underwent percutaneous pinning. There was loss of fixation; however, the infant has been followed since discharge from the hospital and has completely healed with full range of motion.
Conclusions:
The medical management of this entity involves enteral feedings and optimization of nutrients. The optimal surgical treatment of this injury in the neonatal period is not yet known, although percutaneous pinning resulted in normal healing and function. These aspects require clinician awareness of this unique fracture type in a premature patient with fragile bone.
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