Developmental dislocation of the radial head

Abstract

An unusual case of developmental dislocation of the radial head is reported. A 6-year-old boy was referred for evaluation of his elbow and was diagnosed as having an anterior dislocation of the right radial head. No dislocation was present on the left. Subsequently, the left radial head dislocated anteriorly without associated trauma 1 year after the initial examination. Intraoperative findings on the right revealed the dislocation occurred during pronation of the forearm when the radius abutted the interosseous border of the ulna. Ulnar osteomy and reinstruction of the annular fragment were performed but were, not effective in preventing redislocation.