Mehdi Tiotour

and 4 more

Introduction \RL :Elbow injuries involving fracture-dislocations are among the most complex to manage due to the joint’s intricate anatomy and its reliance on both osseous and ligamentous structures for stability(1). The Monteggia lesion, originally described by Giovanni Battista Monteggia in 1814, typically consists of a proximal ulna fracture with dislocation of the radial head(2). In contrast, the ”terrible triad” of the elbow, first outlined by Hotchkiss in 1996, involves a posterior elbow dislocation, fracture of the radial head, and fracture of the coronoid process(3).Each injury independently poses significant treatment challenges and is associated with a high risk of complications such as stiffness, heterotopic ossification, and recurrent instability. When these two injuries co-occur—Monteggia and the terrible triad—the treatment complexity is magnified, yet such cases remain scarcely documented(4).Recent literature has sought to redefine traditional classifications. Giannicola et al. proposed the concept of ”Monteggia-like” lesions, incorporating more complex elbow fracture-dislocation patterns that may not fit into Bado’s original classification but still demand similarly aggressive surgical intervention. Additionally, the Wrightington classification now emphasizes a three-column concept to guide the surgical management of complex elbow injuries(5, 6).Monteggia fractures are typically categorized using the Bado classification, which identifies four distinct types based on the direction of radial head dislocation and the associated ulna fracture pattern(7). Type I involves a forward (anterior) dislocation of the radial head along with an ulna shaft fracture angulated in the same direction. Type II refers to a backward (posterior) or backward-sideways (posterolateral) dislocation of the radial head with a corresponding ulna fracture that opens in the same direction. Type III includes a sideways (lateral) dislocation of the radial head and a fracture in the proximal portion of the ulna, often near the metaphysis. Type IV, which applies to our patient, is the least common and involves fractures of both the radius and ulna, accompanied by dislocation of the radial head(8). This combination usually indicates a high-impact trauma and presents a significant challenge in achieving stable surgical repair.This case report presents a unique instance of combined Monteggia lesion and terrible triad in a young adult male, illustrating the complexity of managing such hybrid injuries and the importance of a coordinated surgical strategy.