Radial-Ulnar Synostosis eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Synostosis, or osseous union, of any 2 adjacent bones can involve any part of the upper extremity. Synostosis between the radius and ulna can take 2 forms: congenital and posttraumatic. In 1793, Sandifort provided the initial description of congenital radial-ulnar (radioulnar) synostosis. This condition is caused by a failure of segmentation between the radius and ulna.
Posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis is a separate entity from the congenital form, having a different cause, treatment, and prognosis.7 The traumatic form can occur anywhere between the radius and ulna along the length of the interosseous membrane.
Synonyms and related keywords: radioulnar synostosis, radial-ulnar osseous union, osseous union, congenital synostosis, posttraumatic synostosis
Author: Raymond Wurapa, MD 2007