A Follow-up Study of Interlocking Wedge Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus Deformity

Abstract

We reviewed 18 patients with cubitus varus deformity who were treated by interlocking wedge osteotomy in Kyushu University Hospital between 1986 and 1994. Subjects comprised 13 males and 5 females with an average age at injury of 4.9 years and at operation of 12.6 years. The average follow-up period was 37 months. We evaluated the pre- and post-operative carrying angle (CA), range of motion (ROM) of the elbow, and limitation of external rotation of the shoulder.
The mean CA was improved from 21.1 degrees of varus to 9.7 degrees of valgus, and was almost equivalent to 9.6 degrees of valgus on the uninjured side. The mean ROM of elbow flexion increased from 125.4 degrees to 134.9 degrees, and over-extension decreased from 13.4 to 9.2 degrees. In comparison with the uninjured side, the mean limitation of external rotation of the shoulder decreased from 11.0 degrees to 5.7 degrees. All cases achieved bone union.
This procedure is recommended for its rigid fixation and good bone union due to a wide bone contact area, and also for its three dimensional correction.