How to approach Monteggia-like lesions in adults: A review

[Clinical results of total elbow arthroplasty after treatment failure for Monteggia-like injuries]

BACKGROUND

Monteggia-like fractures (MLF) are complex injuries with high complication rates and frequently unsatisfying clinical results. Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) represents the only option to salvage the functional requirements in some patients with pronounced posttraumatic arthropathy. This case series provides clinical results of TEA following failed treatment of MLF.

METHODS

All patients who underwent TEA from 2017 to 2022 for failed treatment of MLF were retrospectively included in this study. Complications and revisions before and after TEA and functional results, measured by the Broberg/Morrey score, were evaluated.

RESULTS

In this study 9 patients with a mean age of 68 (±7; 54-79) years were included. The mean follow-up was 12 (±9; 2-27) months. The main reasons leading to posttraumatic arthropathy were chronic infections (44.4%), bony instability due to coronoid deficiency (33.3%) or a combined coronoid and radial head deficiency (22.2%) and non-union of the proximal ulna with radial head necrosis (11.1%). The mean number of surgical revisions between primary fixation and TEA was 2.7 (±1.8; 0-6). The revision rate following TEA was 44%. The mean Broberg/Morrey score at the time of the latest follow-up was 83 (±10; 71-97) points.

CONCLUSION

Chronic infection and coronoid deficiency are the main reasons for posttraumatic arthropathy after MLF leading to TEA. While the overall clinical results are satisfying, the indications should be reserved for selected cases due to high revision rates.

Surgical Treatment of Monteggia-Like Lesions With a Modified Boyd Approach

Introduction

Monteggia-like lesions are rare injuries in adults that include a wide spectrum of complex fracture-dislocations of the proximal ulna and radius. In this retrospective study, we performed a modified Boyd approach and a standard surgical protocol for the treatment of these lesions. Our aim was to evaluate the results of the operative treatment for patients with Monteggia-like lesions, using a modified Boyd approach.

Materials and Methods

We present a retrospective study of 14 patients who underwent surgical treatment for Monteggia-like lesions. Preoperative clinical and radiological evaluation was performed. In 5 cases radial head prosthesis was placed, and in 3 cases the radial fracture was stabilized with the use of interfragmental screws. Regarding the proximal ulnar fracture, ORIF-anatomical plate and ORIF-straight plate was used in 12 and 2 cases, respectively.

Results

Average clinical follow up was 16.9 months. Postoperatively, the mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 83.4 points (range 70-100) and the mean visual analog scale was 1.7 (range 0-14). Mean flexion and loss of extension were 122.1° (range 80°-140°) and 21.4° (range 5°-40°), respectively. Mean supination of the forearm was 66.8° (range 50°-80°) and the mean pronation was 67.5° (range 60°-75°). Heterotopic ossification was observed in 3 patients (21.4%) and 1 patient developed stiffness (7.1%). The patient who developed stiffness underwent reoperation for plate removal and arthrolysis, with satisfactory results.

Conclusions

The surgical treatment of Monteggia-like lesions in adults remains a challenge. In the present study, the use of a standard surgical protocol, with a modified Boyd approach, successfully restores the movement and stability of the elbow, with a low complication rate.

Good outcome after an 8-year radial head resection on a Monteggia fracture in a young patient: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Monteggia fractures are proximal ulna fractures that involve radial caput displacement. Radial caput excision or resection is only suggested in situations of Monteggia lesions with radial caput fractures. Radial head resection should be avoided because the radial head is the principal stabilizer of the elbow and forearm. In this case report, we present a case of radial head resection at a young age after Monteggia reconstruction.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 26-year-old female came to the orthopaedic clinic for removal implant control after eight years postoperatively, patient had motorcycle accident at 2015 and performed ORIF Monteggia fracture with radial head resection. The patient also showed good alignment of the antebrachi, and there were no limitations in performing supination, pronation, and flexion of elbow and wrist movements. There were also no complications related to the radial head resection from the x-ray examination.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

After eight years postoperatively of ORIF Monteggia reconstruction with radial head resection showed a good outcome and improved quality of life for this patient. There was improvement in DASH and MEPS scores.

CONCLUSION

Patients with radial head resection at a young age after Monteggia reconstruction had good results and should be considered.

Type III Monteggia Fracture-dislocation with Radial Nerve Injury in Adults - A Case Report of two Cases

Introduction

Uncommon complication of Monteggia fracture is associated PIN palsy. The PIN palsy following Monteggia fracture-dislocation is neuropraxias and will recover spontaneously.

Case Report

Two cases who were diagnosed as Monteggia fracture-dislocation with PIN palsy and associated superficial branch of radial nerve injury - Power 0/5 and sensations 0/2 were taken up for surgery (open reduction internal fixation of fracture of ulna + closed reduction of radial head). By the end of 7 weeks, both sensory and motor power were fully recovered spontaneously in both the cases.

Discussion

Most of the PIN injuries following Monteggia fracture-dislocation are neuropraxias and will recover spontaneously after closed reduction of radial head without any intervention to the nerve. The nerve needs to be intervened if there are no signs of recovery by 3 months. The time frame for the nerve to be intervened remains controversial.

Conclusion

In both of our cases, the injury is probably proximal to the terminal division of radial nerve and the injuries were neuropraxias and have recovered spontaneously. Hence, we suggest not exploring the nerve in all cases with Monteggia fracture-dislocation immediately even when there is associated sensory deficit.

Olecranon With Concomitant Radial Head Fracture: A Case Series of Fifteen Patients

INTRODUCTION

Simultaneous olecranon and radial head fractures are rare injuries and due to this factor, the outcome of the selected therapy is not widely studied. The aim of this study is to report and evaluate the functional outcome of the surgical treatment of simultaneous olecranon and radial head fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of fifteen patients with concomitant olecranon and radial head fractures presenting to our orthopedic department between 2015 and 2020. Olecranon fractures were classified by Mayo classification and radial head fractures by Mason classification and were managed appropriately. Main outcome measures include range of elbow extension-flexion, pronation-supination, Broberg and Morrey rating system score, and quickDASH score.

RESULTS

Our study included 6 females and 9 males with a mean age of 50 (r, 25-73). The mean of follow-up was 31 months (r, 3-51). Olecranon fractures were fixed with tension band with K-Wires or intramedullary compression screw or locking plate. Radial head fractures were fixed with headless compression screws or mini plate or replaced (radial head arthroplasty). Postoperatively, an average 115° extension-flexion arc and 135° pronation-supination arc was noted. The mean Broberg and Morrey rating system score was 78 and the mean quick DASH score was 25, indicating a good result. Two cases of heterotopic ossification were present and no nonunion was noted.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of concomitant olecranon and radial head fractures with appropriate technique can result in the restoration of a functional movement arc and a satisfactory outcome.

Monteggia-like lesions: preliminary reports and mid-term results of a single center

Background and aim of the work:

Monteggia-like lesions are complex and rare elbow injuries. A detailed classification and a proper surgical treatment can provide quite good functional and radiological outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the mid-term results of Monteggia-like lesions surgical treatment. The other purpose was to investigate whether the complexity of ulna and radius fractures could be prognostic factors of insufficient functional results.

Methods:

Seven women and five men, with a mean age of 59,25 years who had sustained a Monteggia-like lesion were followed up clinically and radiologically after surgical treatment. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QUICK-DASH) score were used for evaluation at a mean of 17,5 months postoperatively (12-26). The range of movement (ROM), patients’ satisfaction and neurological symptoms were also investigated. Osteolysis, implant loosening and heterotopic ossification were graded. Pearson’s test was used to correlate the different classification systems used (AO/OTA, Bado and Jupiter, PURCCS, Mason) with MEPS and QUICK-DASH score.

Results:

The mean MEPS was 84,92 (65 to 100). The mean QUICK-DASH score was 18,75 (0 to 34,1). The mean active pronation and supination was 72,5° and 59,17°, respectively. The mean active ROM of the elbow was 101,43°. Heterotopic ossifications were absent in six cases but were found in six. No statistically significant correlation was found between the analyzed variables.

Conclusions:

Quite good functional results can be obtained in Monteggia-like lesions if injury pattern is recognized and each component of the injury is addressed. Further studies are needed to determine any prognostic factors. (www.actabiomedica.it)