Chronic radial head dislocation caused by a rare solitary osteochondroma of the proximal radius in a child: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor of the upper limbs that occurs during the developmental phase of children. Solitary epiphyseal enchondromas can be usually found in the humeral capitellum, and the proximal ulna of the elbow. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report the case of a 12-year-old boy of Han ethnicity with a developmental radial head dislocation with a progressive radius deformities, caused by a solitary osteochondroma which originated from the proximal metaphysis of the radius. Obvious complaints and limitations were present. After tumor excision was performed, radial head reduction and deformity correction were achieved through a biplanar shortening osteotomy of the radius. CONCLUSIONS: After a follow-up of 18 months, the child remained asymptomatic and regained a full range of motion. Radiographic study revealed satisfactory reduction of the radial head with no recurrence of the osteochondroma.