[Congenital radio-ulnar synostosis of children (author's transl)]

29 congenital radio-ulnar synostosis have been observed in 16 childrens. The authors review the clinical patterns of this affection: most often bilateral, it results in impossibility of pronosupination of the wrist which has but little functional consequence, if the hand is in an intermediary position. On the X-ray its almost always a superior radio-ulnar synostosis but the inferior radio-ulnar joint is abnormal and non functional. Only the children severely handicapped by a hand fixed in pronation should be operated upon. No good result can be hoped from a surgery that tries to restore pro-supination. The best surgical technique seems to be a simple horizontal osteotomy through the synostosis itself which allows a derotation of the forearm into the functional intermediary position. Severe complications can occur. Indications and technique must be very careful since this congenital abnormality is very well tolerated.