The pathogenesis of congenital radial head dislocation/subluxation

•We review the pathogenesis of congenital radial head dislocation/subluxation.•We define five different primary insults that result in congenital radial head dislocation/subluxation.•Finally, the clinical relevance of our review is discussed.

The pathogenesis of congenital radial head dislocation/subluxation is unknown and has not been previously investigated. In this review, we explore the pathogenesis and define five different primary insults: collagen abnormalities, abnormal endochondral ossification of the developing growth plate, abnormalities of forearm ossification outside the growth plate, disproportionate growth of the radius and ulna, and altered HOX D expression/activity. Finally, the clinical relevance of our review is discussed.