Elbow__Congential__Anomalies__and__Normal_Variants

Elbow

Congenital Anomalies and Normal Variants

• Presenter: Dr. F. Jarrett-Thelwell

Supracondylar Process of the Humerus

• Definition: Bony projection on the anteromedial aspect of the distal humerus.

• Location: ~ 5 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle.

• Characteristics: Usually asymptomatic; Length is ~ 22 mm max; points towards the elbow.

• Other Names: Supracondylar spur, supracondylar process, supratrochlear spur, or avian spur.

• Source of information: Case courtesy of Jeremy Jones, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 32655.

Complications of Supracondylar Process

• Neural impingement (e.g., median nerve)

• Vascular impingement (e.g., brachial artery)

• Fracture

Struthers' Ligament

• Associated with the median nerve and the spur.

Differential Diagnosis

• Conditions to consider:

  • Osteochondroma (sessile and pedunculated)

Proximal Radioulnar Synostosis

• Definition: Osseous fusion of the proximal radius and ulna.

• Causes: Can be congenital (rare) or acquired (more common).

• Common Site: Proximal 1/3rd of radius and ulna is the most common site of fusion.

Radial Tuberosity Pseudotumor (aka Radial Tuberosity Pseudocyst)

• Characteristics: Oval radiolucent-like lesion in the tuberosity of the radius; mimics a bone tumor.

• Clinical Example: A 33-year-old female with medial elbow pain; Lateral radiograph shows a lucent pseudolesion in the radial tuberosity that disappears on the AP radiograph.