We present a 2 ½-year-old boy with congenital bilateral humeroradial synostoses. There was no family history of skeletal malformations. Radiographs showed bilateral humeroradial synostoses without ulnar ray hypoplasia (Fig. 1). There were no humeroulnar articulation synostoses. No specific syndromic features were noted. His bilateral elbows were fixed in flexion deformity. He had normal interphalangeal joints, and shoulder, hip, knee and ankle joints. There was no limb hypoplasia. The parents refused operative treatment.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Lateral radiograph, right elbow

Full size image

Congenital bilateral humeroradial synostoses are rare [1]. The current classification divides the synostosis into Class I (fixed in extension with ulnar ray hypoplasia and sporadic) and Class II (fixed in flexion without hypoplasia and familial). Class II may be associated with multiple systemic anomalies [2]. Elbow synostosis often produces little functional disability [1]. Although soft tissue release and osteotomy may initially improve range of movement [1], re-ossification is the norm.