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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Case report; Monteggia fractures; Radial head fracture; Radial head resection.