Clinical Results of Supracondylar Dome Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus and Valgus Deformities in Adults

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cubitus varus and cubitus valgus deformities are common complications of distal humeral fractures in children. We evaluated the usefulness of supracondylar dome osteotomy as a treatment option for adults with cubitus varus or valgus deformity developed during childhood. METHODS: Ten patients who had received supracondylar dome osteotomy and stabilization with plates to treat cubitus varus or valgus deformity between July 2006 and August 2013 were included in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 36.50 ± 10.22 years. The mean follow-up duration was 54.80 ± 32.50 months. We evaluated humerus-elbow-wrist angles (HEWA), improvements in the lateral prominence index (LPI) or medial prominence index (MPI), Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS), and overall results in accordance with the Banerjee criteria. RESULTS: For the six patients with cubitus varus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in LPI were 9.72°± 3.95°, 27.67°± 10.75°, and 6.92% ± 3.40%, respectively. For the four patients with cubitus valgus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in MPI were 14.73°± 2.97°, 11.55°± 3.26°, and 11.33% ± 6.39%, respectively. There was no significant difference between postoperative and preoperative mean MEPS. The subjective ulnar nerve symptoms were alleviated in all patients. The overall results were excellent in six and good in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that supracondylar dome osteotomy with secure fixation using double plates may be useful in correcting cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, yielding good functional outcomes in adults.