A person with a Monteggia fracture has broken the ulna, and dislocated the radius and ulna at the wrist joint.

Monteggia fractures account for about 5 percent of forearm fractures in adults. The injury is usually caused by a fall onto the outstretched hand.

In adults, Monteggia fractures require surgery, in order to repair the broken radius and realign the dislocated wrist. Children rarely require surgery.