Bado type III Monteggia fractures have a high injury- and treatment-related complication rate: a single center study of 73 fractures.

Background and purpose:  Monteggia fractures can be problematic injuries. The aim of this population-based study is to evaluate the risk of complications according to the Bado types, clinical outcome, and incidence.

Methods:  72 children (median age 6, range 2-11 years) with 73 Monteggia fractures treated during 2014-2022 were identified from the institutional fracture register. Timing of diagnosis, complications, and method of treatment were registered. Outcomes were assessed at mean 4 years (1-9) follow-up in 68 (94%) children. The census population (< 16 years old) in Helsinki metropolitan area during the study period was assessed.

Results: Bado types I (n = 43) and III (n = 27) comprised all but 3 of the fractures. Diagnosis was made on admission in 57, and with a 1-8-day delay in 16 children. 8 children had sustained an associated nerve injury. 35 children were treated operatively, 7 after failed closed treatment. 4 reoperations were performed, including 3 ulnar osteotomies. The risk of complications (odds ratio [OR] 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-14) and closed treatment failures (OR 12.3, CI 1.3-118) was higher in Bado type III than in type I injuries. 60 children attended for clinical follow-up, all had congruent radio-humeral joints and full range of elbow and forearm motion. Mean PedsQL was 94 (72-100) and QuickDash 3 (0-13). 8 additional children reported normal elbow functions by phone. The calculated mean annual incidence of Monteggia injuries was 2.9/100,000 children.

Conclusion:  Monteggia fractures are rare (2.9/100,000 yearly). Bado type III injuries are associated with a high risk of complications.