Use of Corrective Ulnar Osteotomy and Radial Head Relocation Into Preserved Annular Ligament in the Treatment of Radiocapitellar Instability Secondary to Pediatric Chronic Monteggia Fracture-Dislocation

Abstract

Purpose: Opening-wedge osteotomy of the ulna restores normal ulnar length and corrects the angulation of the ulna in patients with chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations. In addition, this eases the reduction of the radial head. Morbidity caused by annular ligament reconstruction surgery can be prevented by preserving the intact annular ligament. After dilatation and mobilization of the annular ligament, reduction of the radial head can be accomplished. This study evaluated the effectiveness of corrective opening-wedge ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into the intact annular ligament in the treatment of radiocapitellar instability secondary to pediatric chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation.

Methods: Fourteen patients diagnosed with radial head dislocation associated with plastic deformation of the ulna or ulnar fracture were included in the study. Radiologic and clinical results of these patients who underwent corrective ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into an intact annular ligament were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 7.4 years (range, 3 years to 12 years). The average time between the injury and surgery was 19.1 months (median, 8 months; range, 3 months to 66 months); the average follow-up period was 28.7 months (range, 12 months to 60 months). The mean Kim score was 69.6 (range, 50 to 75) preoperatively and 92.9 (60 to 100) at last follow-up. According to Kim score, the results were considered excellent in 12 cases and poor in 2 cases. Radial head subluxation recurred in 2 separate cases. In addition, chondrolysis changes were seen in 1 case. Reduction loss and osteoarthritic changes in the radiocapitellar joint were considered poor results in follow-up radiographs.

Conclusions: Corrective ulnar osteotomy and relocating the radial head into the intact annular ligament can be safely used for treating chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation cases without radial head and capitellum deformity.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Keywords: Annular ligament; dislocated radius head; neglected Monteggia; pediatric elbow deformity; ulnar wedge osteotomy.