IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Bilateral proximal radioulnar synostosis

Case contributed by Tito Alfredo Atencia Rincón
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

At school, some difficulty is noticed when it comes to using the cutlery to eat and also to write. There was no pain or any other symptomatology. On examination, a limited supination was seen in both forearms, achieving maximum supination in an intermediate position, leaving the hands with the thumb up, causing pain when trying to supinate. Elbow flexion was normal and extension was limited by 10 °.

Patient Data

Age: 16 years
Gender: Male

Density and morphology of osseous structures are within usual limits. Bone fusion at the level of the proximal cubital and radial aspect bilaterally, in the configuration of proximal radioulnar synostosis.

Case Discussion

Congenital radioulnar synostosis is a rare bone disorder that can occur isolated or associated with other disorders and that is characterized by a failure in the segmentation of the radius and ulna during embryonic development, limiting the movements of rotation of the forearm, which can lead to difficulties in some activities of daily life.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.