Monteggia fracture is defined as which pattern?

Monteggia fracture is defined as which pattern?

• A. Proximal ulna shaft fracture with a radial head dislocation (anterior).
• B. Distal radius fracture with distal radial dislocation.
• C. Proximal radius fracture with posterior dislocation.
• D. Humeral shaft fracture with shoulder dislocation.

Answer: (A)

A Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna with dislocation of the radial head, most commonly with anterior dislocation relative to the capitellum. This pattern is distinct from other forearm or elbow injuries and is the key clue for recognizing it on exam. In the described pattern, the proximal ulna is fractured while the radial head is dislocated, matching Monteggia. This differs from a distal radius injury with dislocation (Galeazzi), a proximal radius fracture with dislocation, or a humeral fracture with shoulder dislocation.

A Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna with dislocation of the radial head, most commonly with anterior dislocation relative to the capitellum. This pattern is distinct from other forearm or elbow injuries and is the key clue for recognizing it on exam. In the described pattern, the proximal ulna is fractured while the radial head is dislocated, matching Monteggia. This differs from a distal radius injury with dislocation (Galeazzi), a proximal radius fracture with dislocation, or a humeral fracture with shoulder dislocation.