Ulnar Rotation Osteotomy for Congenital Radial Head Dislocation

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate an ulnar rotation osteotomy for congenital anterior dislocation of the radial head.

Methods: Nine patients (5 boys and 4 girls aged 6 to 13 years) with congenital anterior dislocation of the radial head were treated with ulnar rotation osteotomy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow showed the proximal radioulnar joint on the anterior-lateral side of the ulna rather than on the lateral side in patients with congenital anterior dislocation of the radial head. On the basis of this finding, we performed an osteotomy on the ulna and laterally rotated the proximal radioulnar joint achieving radial head reduction and restoring the anatomical relationship between the radial head and the capitellum. Clinical and radiographical evaluation of the elbow was performed before surgery and at postoperative follow-up.

Results: All patients were followed for 13 to 45 months after surgery. Elbow radiography showed that the radiocapitellar joint was reduced in all patients at the last follow-up visit and that the carrying angle was decreased relative to that in the preoperative condition. Elbow stability and the range of elbow flexion motion were improved at the last follow-up. We did not observe ulnar osteotomy site nonunion or elbow osteoarthritis in these patients. Furthermore, radial head dislocation did not recur.

Conclusions: At early follow-up, ulnar rotation osteotomy was a safe and effective method for the treatment of congenital anterior dislocation of the radial head.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Keywords: Congenital dislocation of the radial head; treatment; ulnar rotation osteotomy.