Correction of cubitus varus by supracondylar lateral closing wedge osteotomy

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to report our experience in treating cubitus varus with closing lateral wedge osteotomy. During the period 1996 to 2003, sixteen patients underwent supracondylar osteotomies for the correction of cubitus varus. The results of surgery were assessed in 12 patients. The indication for osteotomy was cubitus varus that was cosmetically unacceptable to either the child or the parents. All patients were treated with excision of an appropriate wedge of bone from the lateral side of the lower humerus and then closing the gap. Physical examinations for the gross carrying angle and the postoperative scar were assessed. Carrying angle and range of movement were used as criteria to categorize the results. Surgery results were excellent in 8, good in 3, and poor in one patient. The most important factor affecting the outcome in our series was the loss of fixation with recurrence of the deformity which occurred in one patient. The follow up ranged from 1 to 5 years, with an average of 2 years [mean 2.3 years]. Lateral closing wedge ostetomy is a safe and effective method of correcting cubitus varus deformity in the majority of patients