Abstract
We have been treating cubitus varus deformity by a wedge osteotomy since 1966. We investigated the results of osteotomy of 22 elbows in 21 patients. Of these 22 elbows, the varus deformity resulted from supracondylar fracture in 7, diacondylar fracture in 13 and unclear in 2. The average age at the time of surgery was 10.9 years (5 to 23 years). The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 17 years (average; 5.8 years).
Carrying angle just after operation in 7 supracondylar fracture cases, irrespective of age, did not vary during final follow-up. However, of 13 diacondylar fracture cases, a decrease in their corrected angle was observed in 6 cases whose ages were under 11 years at the time of surgery.
Tilting angle (TA) was seen to be slightly improved post-operatively. There was a positive correlation between TA and flexion angle of the elbow at follow-up.
Humeral torsion was measured by ultrasound in 8 patients, consequently the distal end of the operated humerus was seen more internally rotated compared with the healthy side.
From above results, it can be suggested that the corrective osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity resulting from diacondylar fracture should be performed during early teens. TA correction is advised in patients associated with limitation of the elbow flexion. Also it is necessary to correct the axillar deformity to obtain better anatomical correction.
