Congenital and acquired deformities of the elbow

Deformities of the elbow can be congenital or caused by injury. They often lead to restricted movement or pain and can impair the normal function of the arm. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in order to avoid consequential damage.

Misalignments of the elbow occur less frequently in children than in other joints. They can have the following causes:

Congenital malpositions:

• Radial hypoplasia (incomplete development of the radius)
• Arthrogryposis (congenital joint stiffness)
• Other structural malformations

Acquired malpositions:

• Bone fractures that have not healed optimally
• Growth disorders after injuries
• Chronic overload in certain sports

Typical signs of elbow misalignment are

• Pain on exertion or movement
• Limited ability to stretch or bend
• Restricted rotational movements of the forearm (problems with supination and pronation)
• Visible axial deviations of the arm
• In some cases, numbness or muscle weakness

The treatment depends on the type and severity of the deformity:

Conservative therapy

• Regular follow-up checks for mild, symptom-free malpositions
• Targeted physiotherapy to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Use of orthoses or special splints to support the correct joint position

Surgical therapy

• Corrective surgery for severe or functionally limiting malpositions
• Restoration of the normal joint axes
• Follow-up treatment with individualised rehabilitation

The prognosis for elbow deformities depends on the severity of the deformity, its cause and the time at which treatment is started. With early and adequate treatment, a significant improvement in function can be achieved in many cases. Conservative measures show good results in mild cases, while surgical procedures may be necessary in the case of pronounced deformities or structural damage.