[Chronic Monteggia injury in a child]

The case of a Monteggia fracture neglected from two years of age and seen at the age of fourteen, is described. A shortening of the affected ulna by three cm and a relative elongation of the radius was found. The function of the arm and elbow joint was remarkably unaffected with nearly full extension and flexion, supination and pronation. The carrying angle was ten degrees on both sides. Based on the literature, it is stressed that diagnosis and treatment of Monteggia lesions should be immediate. Complications in non-treated cases and at late treatment are many, and the results of such treatment dubious. It is thus of great importance that, when dealing with ulnar fracture a radiograph is also taken of the elbow joint to secure immediate diagnosis.