Occult Monteggia fracture in an adult : A case report


Published online: Jun 27 2007

Anish P. Kadakia, Jaime Candal-Couto

From Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington, United Kingdom

Abstract

Injuries with the Monteggia fracture-dislocation pattern necessitate operative fixation of the ulna fracture in an adult. It is important to identify this by taking radiographs of the elbow and wrist joints in all cases of ulna fracture. We present a case of an occult Monteggia fracture-dislocation in an adult, which was not apparent on the initial radiographs. A thorough clinical examination along with an examination under anaesthesia in view of the high index of suspicion helped us to achieve the diagnosis.