Understanding Chronic Monteggia Fracture
Published on: 9/2/2026
Monteggia fracture is a type of ulnar fracture accompanied by dislocation of the radial head (arrow sign). When this type of fracture is missed or treated with ulnar osteosynthesis without reducing the radial head to its anatomical position, it later develops into chronic Monteggia fracture.
If chronic Monteggia fracture is not detected and treated early, it can lead to many serious consequences, including nerve injury, restricted range of motion, joint stiffness, and bone deformity.
Specific consequences of chronic Monteggia fracture:
- Nerve injury:
- The radial nerve and the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) are the nerves most commonly injured in Monteggia fractures. Injury to the PIN can cause difficulty in extending the fingers and thumb.
- Restricted range of motion and joint stiffness.
- Bone deformity.
- Joint instability.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Chronic pain....
Surgery in this case requires ulnar corrective osteotomy and release of the dislocated radial head.
Receiving a pediatric case of this fracture type who had surgery 1 year ago but still had a dislocated radial head. Of course, I have performed surgery on a few such cases, but I am not very confident. I explained to the patient that I have colleagues who are 5 or 10 times better at surgery than I am and that I could refer them, but the family insisted on trusting me.
Fortunately, the outcome was not too bad, and the doctor received a whole basket of free-range chicken eggs for a rainy Saturday.
Dr. Do Vu Anh
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