Overview
Congenital bilateral elbow dislocation is a rare condition present at birth in which both elbows are dislocated, meaning the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) are not properly aligned with the upper arm bone (humerus) at the elbow joint. This condition is present from the time a baby is born and affects both arms. Babies and children with this condition may have limited ability to bend, straighten, or rotate their elbows normally. The elbows may appear abnormal in shape, and the child may have difficulty with everyday tasks that require full arm movement, such as feeding, dressing, or reaching. Congenital elbow dislocation can occur as an isolated finding or may be part of a broader syndrome involving other skeletal or connective tissue abnormalities. In some cases, it is associated with conditions like Larsen syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or other connective tissue disorders. The severity can vary widely — some children have mild limitations while others experience significant functional impairment. Treatment depends on the severity and whether other conditions are present. Options range from physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve function and range of motion, to surgical intervention aimed at repositioning the joint or reconstructing the elbow. Early evaluation by an orthopedic specialist experienced in pediatric limb conditions is important to plan the best approach. While the condition cannot always be fully corrected, many children achieve meaningful improvement in arm function with appropriate care.
Key symptoms:
Both elbows are out of joint at birthLimited ability to bend or straighten the elbowsDifficulty rotating the forearms (turning palms up or down)Abnormal appearance or shape of the elbowsReduced arm strengthDifficulty with self-care tasks like feeding and dressingStiffness in the elbow jointsPossible pain or discomfort with arm movementDifficulty reaching overheadPossible joint looseness (hypermobility) in other joints if part of a syndromePossible shortening of the forearms
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Congenital elbow dislocation, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Congenital elbow dislocation, bilateral.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's elbow dislocation isolated, or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,Should we pursue genetic testing, and what would it involve?,What is the best treatment plan — therapy, surgery, or both?,What are the realistic goals for arm function with treatment?,How often should we schedule follow-up visits and imaging?,Are there any activities my child should avoid to prevent further joint damage?,What school or daily life accommodations would you recommend?
Common questions about Congenital elbow dislocation, bilateral
What is Congenital elbow dislocation, bilateral?
Congenital bilateral elbow dislocation is a rare condition present at birth in which both elbows are dislocated, meaning the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) are not properly aligned with the upper arm bone (humerus) at the elbow joint. This condition is present from the time a baby is born and affects both arms. Babies and children with this condition may have limited ability to bend, straighten, or rotate their elbows normally. The elbows may appear abnormal in shape, and the child may have difficulty with everyday tasks that require full arm movement, such as feeding, dressing, or rea
At what age does Congenital elbow dislocation, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of Congenital elbow dislocation, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.