Congenital dislocation of the radial head

A retrospective review of 34 patients with congenital dislocation of the radial head was carried out. In 22 patients, the radial head dislocation was the only abnormality. The range of motion of the elbow and forearm was considerably limited in some patients and did cause functional impairment, especially lack of supination. Increased ulnar length in relation to the radius and a hypoplastic capitellum suggest that a dislocation is congenital. Surgical intervention is seldom necessary.