Monteggia Fractures

Monteggia fractures classically involve a proximal ulna fracture with an associated radial head dislocation. These injuries affect children and adults alike, with specific management options in each subset. The Bado classification describes the direction of the radial head dislocation, and the Jupiter classification further defines the posterior type 2 injury. The presence of radial head or neck fractures, coronoid fractures, and/or proximal ulna comminution elevates the complexity of surgical reconstruction. While historically the outcomes seen in Monteggia injuries have been suboptimal, a better understanding of fracture morphology and modern instrumentation has translated to improved results.