A 9-year-old boy falls on an outstretched arm. Radiograph shows a fracture of the proximal third of the ulnar shaft with anterior dislocation of the radial head. Which injury is described?
- A Galeazzi fracture-dislocation
- B Essex-Lopresti injury
- C Monteggia fracture-dislocation ✓
- D Nightstick fracture
Correct answer: C. Monteggia fracture-dislocation
Explanation
A Monteggia fracture-dislocation is a fracture of the ulnar shaft, classically the proximal third, associated with dislocation of the radial head, most often anterior. A Galeazzi injury is the mirror pattern: fracture of the radial shaft with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Essex-Lopresti injury combines radial head fracture with disruption of the interosseous membrane and distal radioulnar joint. Nightstick fracture is an isolated ulnar shaft fracture from a direct blow.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
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