Spontaneous dislocation of the radial head in cerebral palsy

A patient with spastic quadriparetic cerebral palsy and unilateral nontraumatic dislocation of the radial head is presented. The association of radial head dislocation with flexion contracture of the elbow and contracture of the pronators of the forearm is known to occur but is infrequently reported. Early recognition and management of elbow and forearm contractures in cerebral palsy patients is imperative to avoid radial head dislocation, since the outcome of both surgical and rehabilitative management are significantly influenced by its presence. Literature related to this problem and pathokinesiology is discussed.