Monteggia vs. Galeazzi Fractures

• A Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna with dislocation of the radial head.

  • There are four types, based on the direction that the radial head is displaced (Bado classification).

• A Galeazzi fracture is a fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).

• MUGR (pronounced “MUGGER”): identifies the fractured bone.

  • MU: Monteggia Ulna

  • GR: Galeazzi Radius

• Use “A to Z” to remember the location of the fracture-dislocation:

  • ‘A’ is proximal (MonteggiA) - Radial head dislocation and proximal ulna fracture

  • ‘Z’ is distal (GaleazZi) - Distal radioulnar joint dislocation and distal radius fracture