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Congenital radial head dislocation with a progressive cubitus valgus: a case report
Laurens Kaas1, Peter A A Struijs
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, laurenskaas@hotmail.com.
Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction
|January 7, 2012
Summary
Congenital radial head dislocation, though rare, is the most common elbow anomaly. This case highlights a previously undescribed progressive cubitus valgus in an 8-year-old girl, successfully managed non-operatively.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Congenital dislocation of the radial head is the most common congenital anomaly of the elbow.
- A progressive cubitus valgus deformity has not been previously associated with congenital radial head dislocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a unique case of unilateral congenital radial head dislocation with progressive cubitus valgus.
- To investigate the potential etiology of this combined anomaly.
- To report the outcome of non-operative management.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 8-year-old girl.
- Clinical examination and radiographic assessment.
- 18-month follow-up with clinical observation.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with unilateral congenital radial head dislocation and a progressive cubitus valgus of 35 degrees.
- The cubitus valgus was attributed to premature closure of the lateral humeral condyle physis, possibly due to pressure from the dislocated radial head.
- Non-operative management with clinical observation yielded satisfactory results over 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Progressive cubitus valgus can be a concomitant finding in congenital radial head dislocation.
- Non-operative treatment is a viable option for managing this condition when asymptomatic.
- This case expands the understanding of congenital elbow anomalies and their potential presentations.
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