Can't place palms up, never broken bone

What might cause me not to be able to put my hands palms up when my arms are extended? When I bend my arms in close to me I can put my palms up but if I extend them out my palms face each other like clapping. The only way to get my palms to lay flat when my arms are extended is to lean with my whole body. My dad and brother have the same thing but it isn't nearly as bad. I haven't broken any bones so that isn't it. My dad said it is caused by an extra bone in the elbow, but I have had x-rays of my elbows and nothing was ever noticed. Can you really grow extra bones in you elbows? What is another possible cause? Can I fix this kind of problem? Has anyone ever heard of such a thing before? The million dollar question is how will I get change in a drive through?

*I can add pics if you need them*

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, this could be caused by extra bones; though a more likely possibility is an issue/ weakness with muscle that aids in unassisted movement of facing the palm up or the nerve that supplies it. This becomes less prominent in the assisted position as other muscles take over the function. If this can be improved or not is something that can only be decided after a detailed clinical evaluation. I would suggest consulting an orthopedician for the same.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!