Supracondlylar Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus

Kang, Chi Jung; Ha, Snag Ho; Lee, Sang Hong; Shin, Dong Min; Park, Jin Seok

Abstract

Cubitus varus deformity is the most common angular deformity resulted by supracondylar fractures in children. Although, this deformity rarely limit elbow function, the correction is frequently requested due to cosmetic problem. The normal carrying angle can be restored by supracondylar osteotomy. Previous reports controversy over the cause of the deformity, the necessity and timing of operative correction, the operative technique itself, and the attendant risks. We performed 18 lateral closing wedge osteotomies with French technique(10 cases), and Sherman plate fixation(8 cases) by posterolateral approach from January 1978 to December 1988 at Chosun University Hospital. The results were as follows: 1. The most common cause of cubitus varus was suprcondylar fracture of the humerus(88.9%). 2. The results of supracondylar osteotomies were excellent is 8 cases(44.8%), good in 7 cases (38.9%), poor in 3 cases(16.7%). 3. The varus and rotational deformities were corrected by modified French method and Sherman plate fixation after lateral closing osteotomy. 4. In case of plate fixation, good results were obtained even older cases because of reducing time of extermal immobilization and promotion early joint exercise.