MONTEGGIA FRACTURE-DISLOCATION IN CHILDREN

Monteggia fracture-dislocations are uncommon in childhood. Correct ear ly diagnosis is essential to avoid elbow dysfunction and the necessity for open reduction of the radial head. This retrospective analysis of 220 forearm fractures in children shows that 50% of Monteggia fractur es were misdiagnosed by accident and emergency (A&E) department senior house officers (SHOs) and 25% were misdiagnosed by senior radiologist s. Instruction in correct clinical and radiological examination of the elbow joint in children to junior A&E doctors, with early review of s uspicious cases by senior medical staff, may help to reduce the incide nce of missed Monteggia fractures.