Congenital radial head dislocation

Fifty patients with 77 congenitally dislocated radial heads were reviewed to assess the diagnostic features, functional limitations, symptomatology, and results of treatment. Twenty-three patients had associated anomalies of the affected upper extremity, and 35 had anomalies in other parts of the body. In six patients no other anomaly was found, all six had bilateral involvement. No patient had congenital radial head dislocation as a unilateral isolated anomaly, and therefore we doubt its existence. Functional limitation with congenital radial head dislocation is minimal and pain is uncommon. Radial head excision relieves pain and improves appearance: however, it does not increase motion.