Abstract

• Cubitus varus deformity is the most common complication following supracondylar fracture of the humerus. Cubitus varus deformity causes no functional problem, moreover, most patient retains full range of motion at elbow joint. However, the deforlmity is often severe and the patient or his(her) parents wants surgical correction for the cosmetic reason.
  In children below 15 years old, the result is relatively good, because one can greensticking the osteotomy site with preservation of medial cortex that is important in maintaining stability. Minimal internal fixation using Kwlre, Steinmann pin, screw and wire is adequate for stabilIBe the osteotomy. Also one can resuture the periosteum and bone healing is rapid in children. But in adult, complete osteotomy is inevitable in most cases, rigid internal fixation should be considered to stabilize the osteotomy and to allow eaily ROM exercise.
  We performed supracondylar osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in adults with posterior approach and double plating technique in 4 patients from January 1989 February 1990.
  The results obtained were as follows ;
  1. All 4 cases of cubitus varus deformity were complication of the supracondylay fracture of the humerus.
  2. The correction techniaue used was lateral closing osteotomy in 3 cases and step-cut osteotomy in 1 case.
  3. Surgical approach was posterior in 3 cases and lateral in 1 case.
  4. The goal of operative treatment was cubitus rectus or slight valgus position.
  5. Rigid internal fixation was done using double reconstruction plate in 3 cases and single reconstruction plate in 1 case.
  6. The average preoperative carrying angle was -24 degrees ranging from -20 to-32 degrees. The average correction angle was 26.2 degrees. The average postoperative carrying angle was 2.2 deg.ees ranging fron -4 to 7 degrees.(: varus, + : valgus).
  7. The operative complication was radial nerve palsy in 1 case, but totally recovered in 9 months follow-up.
• Key words: Cubitus varus, Supracondylar osteotomy, Double reconstruction plate

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