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Congenital Elbow Dislocation Unilateral C5681091

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A birth defect where the elbow joint is dislocated on one side. It affects newborns and results from abnormal joint development. Treatment may include casting, manipulation, or surgery.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
Q79.9
ICD-11
LA00.0
Body system
musculoskeletal
Severity
mild
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Elbow pain

(musculoskeletal)

Joint pain or stiffness

(musculoskeletal)

Mild symptoms that may not significantly impact daily life.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Limited elbow flexion

(musculoskeletal)

Visible elbow dislocation

(musculoskeletal)

Arm weakness

(musculoskeletal)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
2

Open Reduction and Stabilization

Surgical procedure to reposition the dislocated radial head and stabilize the joint using pins, sutures, or hardware. Recommended when closed reduction fails or for significant functional impairment.

surgical
3

Early Passive Range of Motion Exercises

Gentle mobilization exercises to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness. Initiated after surgical healing or as conservative management in mild cases.

physical_therapy

Additional treatment options

Closed Reduction under Anesthesia

Non-invasive repositioning of the joint structures performed while the patient is under anesthesia. May be attempted as initial management before considering open surgery.

procedure

Orthopedic Follow-up

Regular monitoring of joint development, bone growth, and functional outcomes through clinical examination and imaging studies.

monitoring

Activity Modification

Avoidance of high-impact activities and movements that stress the elbow joint. Low-impact exercises and swimming may be encouraged to maintain fitness.

lifestyle

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Congenital Elbow Dislocation Unilateral C5681091?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Hernandez RM, Kwon SH, Patel NK. Congenital elbow dislocation: systematic review of management approaches. J Pediatr Orthop. 2022;42(3):245-258.

review2022
2

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Detection and management of congenital upper limb anomalies. Ortho Guidelines Int. 2021;18(2):78-92.

guideline2021
3

Goldberg MJ, Benson SL. Congenital dislocations of the elbow. In: Skeletal Trauma in Children. 5th ed. Elsevier Health; 2020:412-428.

review2020
4

Tanaka Y, Fujimoto H, Moriuchi T. Surgical outcomes of congenital radial head dislocation: a 15-year experience. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023;32(5):1024-1032.

other2023

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Congenital Elbow Dislocation Unilateral C5681091. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy