title: Comminuted Monteggia fracture-dislocation--a technique for restoration of ulnar length: case reports.
abstract: A technique to aid the reconstruction of the ulna in case of comminuted Monteggia fracture-dislocation is presented. This involves reducing the proximal radioulnar joint and temporarily transfixing the radial head to the ulna by 1 or 2 Kirschner (K) wires to establish the ulnar length. Once ulnar length has been defined, reconstruction of the comminuted ulna fracture is simplified. The radioulnar K-wires are then removed and the radioulnohumeral joint is tested for stability. This technique has been used in 6 cases of type-1 Monteggia fracture-dislocation with no subsequent malunion of the ulnar fracture or redislocation' of the radial head. After an average of 13 months follow-up, all patients had nearly full range of motion of the elbow joint.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Ebraheim
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Elgafy
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Georgiadis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009011:Monteggia's Fracture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D014457:Ulna / Q000601:surgery*