What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Anticubital Pterygium Syndrome

What is Antecubital Pterygium? (Definition/Background Information)

• Antecubital Pterygium is characterized by and antecubital webbing, posterior subluxation (dislocation) of radial head, maldevelopment of radioulnar joint, and limited elbow extension with unimpeded elbow flexion 
• Most reported cases come from the island of Mauritius or nearby islands. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion

(Source: Antecubital Pterygium; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Antecubital Pterygium? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Antecubital Pterygium is a very rare congenital disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur at birth or in infancy
• Both males and females may be affected
• Although individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected, most of the cases are from Mauritius and nearby islands, in the Indian Ocean

What are the Risk Factors for Antecubital Pterygium? (Predisposing Factors)

• A positive family history may be an important risk factor, since Antecubital Pterygium can be inherited
• Currently, no other risk factors have been clearly identified for the disorder

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Antecubital Pterygium? (Etiology)

• The genetic cause of Antecubital Pterygium is not known at the present time
• The condition is reportedly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner

Autosomal dominant: Autosomal dominant conditions are traits or disorders that are present when only one copy of the mutation is inherited on a non-sex chromosome. In these types of conditions, the individual has one normal copy and one mutant copy of the gene. The abnormal gene dominates, masking the effects of the correctly function gene. If an individual has an autosomal dominant condition, the chance of passing the abnormal gene on to their offspring is 50%. Children, who do not inherit the abnormal gene, will not develop the condition or pass it on to their offspring.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Antecubital Pterygium?

The signs and symptoms of Antecubital Pterygium may include:

• Limited elbow extension
• Maldevelopment of radioulnar joint
• Posterior subluxation of radial head

(Source: Antecubital Pterygium; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

• Antecubital Pterygium can occur in one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) elbows of the affected individual

How is Antecubital Pterygium Diagnosed?

Antecubital Pterygium is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Antecubital Pterygium?

The complications of Antecubital Pterygium may include:

• Limited range of movement in the affected arm/arms
• Reduced quality of life

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Antecubital Pterygium Treated?

There is no cure for Antecubital Pterygium, since it is a genetic condition. The treatment is usually given to manage the signs and symptoms and any complication that develop.

How can Antecubital Pterygium be Prevented?

Antecubital Pterygium may not be preventable, since it is a genetic disorder.

• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Antecubital Pterygium? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Antecubital Pterygium is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Antecubital Pterygium:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/