Background: Giovanni Batista Monteggia, an Italian surgeon, was the first to describe the combination of a proximal ulna fracture and dislocated radial head. With the use of Kirschner wires technique, more surgical stabilization could be achieved.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether closed reduction and percutaneous k-wire fixation can maintain satisfactory reduction and fixation of the elbow joint in surgical management of Monteggia fractures in children.
Patients and methods: There were 12 patients with Monteggia fractures admitted to Zagazig University Hospital and Tripoli University Hospital-Libya in this prospective cohort study. Treatment consisted of a closed reduction and percutaneous k-wire fixation of the fractures. Postoperatively, patients were checked on every week to check for pin sites and swelling, as well as the wrist and finger movements. The dressing was applied within the first 6 weeks, and the slab was replaced after 3 weeks. AP and Lat X-rays of the elbow were taken at 6 weeks post-operatively to check for signs of fracture union and k-wires removed. Using the Stewart Handly Score, VAS, and DASH scoring systems, the elbow and forearm were evaluated for postoperative range of motion in all directions (flexion, extension, supination and pronation).