Fishtail deformity (elbow)

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Fishtail deformity of the elbow is characterized by a contour abnormality of the distal humerus, which develops when the lateral trochlear ossification centers fail to develop or resorbs.

It is an uncommon complication usually following a distal humeral fracture in childhood. Whilst initially presumed to be a benign condition, long-term follow-up suggests that patients with fishtail deformity are prone to:

functional impairment
ongoing pain
development of early osteoarthrosis