Which fracture is defined by dislocation of the radial head at the elbow with ulna fracture?

Which fracture is defined by dislocation of the radial head at the elbow with ulna fracture?

• A. Monteggia
• B. Colles
• C. Smith
• D. Galeazzi

Answer: (A)

Monteggia fracture-dislocation involves a fracture of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head at the elbow. This specific combination is what defines the injury: the proximal ulna is fractured and the radial head is displaced from the capitellum, typically anteriorly. It’s distinct from other forearm injuries: Colles presents as a distal radius fracture with dorsal (posterior) displacement; Smith is a distal radius fracture with volar displacement; Galeazzi is a distal radius fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. So the described scenario matches the Monteggia pattern.

Monteggia fracture-dislocation involves a fracture of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head at the elbow. This specific combination is what defines the injury: the proximal ulna is fractured and the radial head is displaced from the capitellum, typically anteriorly. It’s distinct from other forearm injuries: Colles presents as a distal radius fracture with dorsal (posterior) displacement; Smith is a distal radius fracture with volar displacement; Galeazzi is a distal radius fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. So the described scenario matches the Monteggia pattern.