Congenital elbow fusion is rare and can occur alone or in conjunction with other deformities, such as ulnar absence, carpal, metacarpal, or phalangeal fusion or absence. When it occurs independently, it often affects both elbow joints and is unrelated to gender.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Ankylosis can occur in the humeroradial, humeroradial-ulnar, or humeroulnar joints. If fusion occurs in the humeroulnar or humeroradial joints, there is often absence of the radius or ulna (Figure 1).

In infancy and early childhood, joint fusion may be cartilaginous and not visible on X-ray films. As growth and ossification progress, elbow joint fusion becomes detectable on X-ray. The degree of elbow joint function loss depends on the fixed position of the elbow joint fusion. Glenoid or humeral head dysplasia or absence can exacerbate deformity and shoulder joint instability.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

The diagnosis can be made based on clinical manifestations and X-ray imaging.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

For patients with unilateral elbow joint fusion, the forearm is fixed in a functional position through osteotomy. For those with contralateral elbow joint involvement, elbow arthroplasty may be considered. In cases where the elbow joint lacks an epiphysis, corrective osteotomy can be considered for school-age children to prevent muscle disuse atrophy.