Distraction osteogenesis to improve limb function in congenital bilateral humeroradioulnar synostosis.

Congenital bilateral humeroradioulnar fusion of the elbow is rare. Many patients tolerate unilateral elbow stiffness very well, but bilateral fixed elbows are very disabling. We report the management of a 13-year-old patient using the Ilizarov technique. The left elbow was ankylosed in 70 degrees flexion. It was gradually lengthened through an osteotomy across the fused elbow and flexed through the regenerate to 110 degrees. This has improved the function of the left arm.