What is a Monteggia Fracture?
A Monteggia fracture is a type of arm injury that could lead to severe complications down the road if it is not treated properly. Like other bone fractures, there are multiple ways that somebody might sustain this injury. Some of the most common mechanisms include:
- A fall onto an outstretched hand that might take place in a motorcycle accident or a bicycle collision.
- A direct blow to the arm in an auto accident or while playing contact sports.
- Involvement in a fight or physical assault.
A Monteggia fracture is a severe injury that could have a lengthy healing process. Because of this risk, it is essential for everyone to be aware of the diagnosis and treatment plan.
An Overview of a Monteggia Fracture
A Monteggia fracture involves both the radius and the ulna. These two bones come together to make up the wrist and lower arm. These are relatively small bones compared to the humerus, making them easy to fracture. The two components of a Monteggia fracture include:
- Ulna: The first part of the injury is a fracture of the upper third of the ulna, the smaller of the two bones of the wrist.
- Radius: The second part of this injury is a dislocation of the radial head. The radial head typically sits in the elbow. In a Monteggia fracture, the radial head has been popped out of place.
If someone presents to the doctor with signs and symptoms of this fracture, imaging procedures will likely be performed.
Watch YouTube Video: Monteggia Fracture. In the following video, Dr. Ebraheim describes everything you need to know about the condition of a Monteggia fracture.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
Following a traumatic accident, people might have trouble moving their elbow. They might also have pain, swelling, and bruising of the lower arm. If this is the case, the doctor will probably order some x-ray images. These will likely be taken from multiple angles to get a better view of the arm. On x-ray imaging, the doctor should be able to see the ulnar shaft fracture and the radial head dislocation, confirming the diagnosis.
Many Monteggia fractures will require surgery to repair. With the ulnar shaft being broken, it is challenging to perform a reduction of the radial head dislocation without extreme pain. Often, the fracture of the ulna is displaced and will require surgical modification anyways. Some of the complications of this injury include the development of radial or ulnar nerve palsy, malunion, and an infection.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
If a loved one suffers a severe bone fracture in an accident, it is essential to ask for help from an Elk Grove Personal Injury Lawyer. Some of the benefits of working with a compassionate injury lawyer include having a trained professional review the records from the accident, help in pursuing damages related to the injury, and assist with moving the case to trial if required. Families should never feel like they need to face this difficult situation alone. Rely on the assistance of a personal injury lawyer in Elk Grove. You and your family could be deserving of significant financial compensation.
Elk Grove Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove Personal Injury Lawyer. A Monteggia fracture is a severe type of broken arm that might lead to major complications if not treated quickly. If you or a loved one has developed complications following a broken arm that was suffered in an accident, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 694-0002 to receive free, friendly legal advice.
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