Change of Longitudinal Axis of Radius and Ulna in Cubitus Varus Deformity

Ok, In Young; Chu, In Tak; Ryu, Kwang Jae

Abstract

Cubitus varus, which includes deformities of varus, hyperextension and internal rotation, is the most common complication of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children. For correction of cubitus varus deformity, many operative methods have been reported but postoperative results are not always satifactory. For the purpose of detection of the reason of postoperative residual deformity, we reviewed AP roentgenography of 22 patients of cubitus varus deformity in the view point that change of longitudinal axis of forearm contribute the residual deformity. The results are summerized as follows: 1. Degree of cubitus varus deformity was more severe in the patients whose interval between the injured time and visiting hospital for cubitus varus was longer. 2. Average proximal radial shaft angle was 10.99degrees +/-3.48degrees in normal limb and 15.72degrees+/-4.03degrees in affected limb and average ulnar shaft angle was 7.86degrees+/-3.60degrees, 10.54degrees +/-4.02degrees (P<0.05), respectively which were all significant value statistically (P<0.05). Average distal radial shaft angle was 10.21degrees 2.37 in normal limb and 11.21degrees +/-1.51degrees in affected limb and statistically insignificant (P>0.05). 3. More severe cubitus varus deformity revealed more change of proximal radial shaft angle of attected limb compare to normal limb. Based on these results, we concluded that correction of the cubitus varus deformity should not be delayed in order to minimize the secondary change of longitudinal axis of foream bones and to obtain satisfacotry cosmetic outcome.