Clinical and radiographic findings of Monteggia fracture in a one-year-old-male mule

Document Type : Case report

Authors

Samaneh Ghasemi

Ali Mirshahi

Omidreza Raei Abbasabadi

Negin Rahimdoust Mozhdehi

Alireza Safarzade

Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22067/ijvst.2026.97447.1635

Abstract

The elbow joint is between the distal humerus and proximal radius and ulna. In uncommon cases, severe traumatic injury to the elbow may result in concomitant fracture and luxation or subluxation of its structure. The Monteggia fracture is defined as dislocation of radial head associated with proximal ulnar fracture. This injury is rare in the horse and to the authors' knowledge, no previous reports in mule. Concurrent fractures of the ulna and radius can be particularly challenging. Because of the extensive soft tissue and articular cartilage injuries, cases with Monteggia fracture have an unfavorable prognosis. Although, successful surgical management has been documented in some cases. Even though the successful reports of repair of Monteggia fracture, these cases are as pasture-sound animals. This report describes a type I Monteggia fracture in a one-year-old male mule. Clinical examination revealed severe swelling, pain, crepitation and non–weight-bearing lameness. Radiographic evaluation confirmed the Monteggia fracture. Given the little information available regarding Monteggia fracture in equine, a better understanding of treatment of this injury is warranted.

Keywords

Elbow joint

Equine

Luxation

Monteggia fracture

Young mule

Radius

Ulna

Subjects

• Surgery

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