A case report of post traumatic radioulnar synostosis after isolated closed radial head fracture with radial head subluxation

Abstract

Radioulnar synostosis is a rare pathological fusion of the tow forearm bones, when seen in pediatric must differentiate between congenital Synostosis versus post traumatic synostosis, post traumatic radioulnar Synostosis is uncommon especially if it was closed fracture and treated conservatively. We describe a 5 year old girl who presented with radioulnar synostosis 1 year following radial head fracture with radial head subluxation, with full pronation and limitation in supination and compensated for supination with shoulder abduction, patient missed her appointment and showed at the age of 11 with increase limitation of pronation and supination. We suggest that clinicians should be aware of this rare potential when treating patients with radial neck fractures and associated elbow injuries. It is advisable to conduct more frequent follow-up examinations using radiography and assess the range of motion to promptly identify any signs of proximal radioulnar synostosis.