Tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy as a result of an unreduced radial head dislocation in Monteggia fractures: a report of two cases.

Tardy palsy of the posterior interosseous nerve after a malunited Monteggia fracture with an unreduced dislocation of the radial head is considered to be extremely rare. Four earlier cases were treated by excision of the radial head or by tendon transfers. Another two cases have been reported, both treated successfully by decompression of the nerve in the radial tunnel between the two heads of the supinator. This simple operation should be given a trial before tendon transfers are considered, even if the palsy has been of long duration.