Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the radius. A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the radius (CPR) is rare. Only ten cases seem to have been found in the literature. Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the radius usually is associated with neurofibromatosis or fibrous dysplasia. This is a report of a congenital pseudoarthrosis of the left radius associated with congenital dislocation of the left hip in a five-month-old girl. Apart from the pseudoarthrosis, there were no visible abnormalities. This patient was treated successfully with excision of the pseudoarthrosis, shortening osteotomy of the ulna, grafting, and intramedullary fixation of both the radius and the ulna. Review of the literature disclosed the extreme difficulties in treating this condition. It was also found that vascularized fibular graft has been used successfully.