Overview
Isolated congenital radial head dislocation is a rare bone and joint condition that is present at birth. In this condition, the head of the radius bone (one of the two bones in the forearm) is displaced from its normal position at the elbow joint. Unlike other forms of radial head dislocation that occur alongside broader syndromes or skeletal disorders, this form happens on its own without other major bone abnormalities. The condition may affect one or both elbows. Many people with this condition notice limited movement at the elbow, particularly difficulty fully straightening the arm or rotating the forearm (turning the palm up and down). Some individuals experience mild pain or discomfort, especially with physical activity, while others may have little to no symptoms during childhood. Over time, some people develop increasing stiffness, pain, or a noticeable bump near the elbow where the radial head sits out of place. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Many mild cases are managed with observation and physical therapy to maintain range of motion. In cases with significant pain or functional limitation, surgery may be considered, though the best surgical approach is still debated among orthopedic specialists. Some patients do very well without any intervention, while others benefit from targeted treatment to improve elbow function and comfort.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Limited ability to straighten the elbowDifficulty rotating the forearm (turning palm up or down)A visible or palpable bump near the elbowElbow stiffnessMild to moderate elbow painReduced range of motion at the elbowClicking or popping sensation in the elbowDifficulty carrying heavy objectsElbow pain that worsens with activityAsymmetry between the two elbows if only one side is affected
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 Isolated congenital radial head dislocation.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Isolated congenital radial head dislocation at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Isolated congenital radial head dislocation.
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
No travel grants are currently matched to Isolated congenital radial head dislocation.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Isolated congenital radial head dislocation.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Isolated congenital radial head dislocation
No recent news articles for Isolated congenital radial head dislocation.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's radial head dislocation truly isolated, or could it be part of a broader condition?,Should we pursue genetic testing to look for an underlying cause?,What range of motion should we expect, and how can we preserve it?,At what point should we consider surgery, and what are the options?,Are there specific activities or sports my child should avoid?,How often should we schedule follow-up appointments and imaging?,Could this condition affect my child's elbow as they grow into adulthood?
Common questions about Isolated congenital radial head dislocation
What is Isolated congenital radial head dislocation?
Isolated congenital radial head dislocation is a rare bone and joint condition that is present at birth. In this condition, the head of the radius bone (one of the two bones in the forearm) is displaced from its normal position at the elbow joint. Unlike other forms of radial head dislocation that occur alongside broader syndromes or skeletal disorders, this form happens on its own without other major bone abnormalities. The condition may affect one or both elbows. Many people with this condition notice limited movement at the elbow, particularly difficulty fully straightening the arm or rota
At what age does Isolated congenital radial head dislocation typically begin?
Typical onset of Isolated congenital radial head dislocation is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.