The Relationship between the Bevel of the Radial Head Epiphysis and the Posterior Synovial Fringe During Rotation of the Elbow: An Ultrasonography Study with Possible Implications Regarding the Pathophysiology of Nursemaid’s Elbow

Abstract

Background: Nursemaid’s elbow is the most common upper extremity injury in children under 5 years of age. However, the exact pathomechanism underlying the nursemaid’s elbow remains elusive, and approximate one-third of patients present with a nonclassical history. Using a high-frequency ultrasound probe, we attempted to determine the relationship between the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe and the peripheral rim of the radial head epiphysis during rotation. It is possible that the primary reason for the nursemaid’s elbow is due to the pronator position. Methods: Twenty-one patients had a history of nursemaid’s elbow and had a successful reduction before enrollment in this study. A high-frequency linear array 6 to 24 MHz hockey stick transducer was used to detect small morphologic changes in the peripheral rim of the radial head epiphysis and the posterior synovial fringe during rotation of the capitellum-radial joint. Results: In complete pronation, the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe contacts the beveled articular surface of the radial head peripheral rim in all 21 patients. In neutral and complete supination, the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe contacts the convexly nonarticular surface of the radial head peripheral rim and extends deep into the foveal radius. The posterior synovial fringe and the capsule-aponeurotic membrane were tightened in passive pronation in all 21 cases. The posterior synovial fringe and the capsule-aponeurosis membrane were all loose in the neutral and supination positions. Conclusion: The anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe touches the beveled peripheral rim of the radial head epiphysis during complete pronation, and the tension of the lateral collateral ligament complex during pronation may further cause unstable conditions of the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe. We hypothesized that the beveled peripheral rim of the radial epiphysis and its relationship with the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe could be the reason why nursemaid’s elbow only occurs while the elbow is in the pronator position.