Lateral Monteggia fracture in children (case report).

A lateral Monteggia fracture in a child is reported. Between 1941 and 1977, only 16 such cases were reported in the literature. Of these, 2 cases needed open reduction of the fractured ulna. The present case needed osteotomy of a nearly healed fracture of the ulna and reconstruction of the orbicular ligament to stabilise the reduction of the radial head. No similar case has previously been described in a child. Prompt diagnosis and early reduction should yield good results by closed methods of treatment, but open reduction is necessary if the diagnosis is missed and treatment is delayed. Even after such delayed surgery, the final outcome in the present case was very satisfactory and the child regained full elbow function.