Living with Congenital elbow dislocation
A rare condition present from birth in which the end of a forearm bone sits out of place at the elbow.
Understanding Congenital elbow dislocation
The bone is most often displaced toward the back of the elbow. It usually affects both elbows. It can occur alone or as part of other birth differences or syndromes. Early symptoms may be mild, like pain and limited bending, but it can lead to a shaky joint, bone changes and arthritis over time.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD's summary lists these features:
- Elbow pain
- Limited bending of the elbow
- Joint instability over time
- Changes in the radial head bone
- Arthritis over time
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: congenital dislocation of elbow; congenital radial head dislocation; isolated congenital elbow dislocation; isolated congenital radial head dislocation
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital elbow dislocation.
Explore research for Congenital elbow dislocation
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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