Monteggia and Equivalent Lesions in Childhood

One hundred two children with acute Monteggia lesions treated over a 25 year period were reviewed. Using the Bado classification system, type 1 (53%) and type 3 (26%) fractures were the most common. The type 1 equivalent injury associated with a proximal radius fracture is more common in children than previously reported. The majority of injuries could be treated with closed reduction, except the type 1 equivalent lesions, which required operative treatment in 10 of 14 children. Varus angulation of the ulna was the most common deformity after closed treatment. Nerve injuries occurred in 11% of the injuries, and resolved in all cases without operative treatment.