Prospective study of cubitus varus deformity, its etiopathology, clinical study and treatment

Abstract

Background: Loss of carrying angle at elbow (Cubitus varus) remains one of the commonest complications of supracondylar fractures. Despite the numerous ways are described of treating supracondylar fractures, cubitus varus remains a significant problem. It can only be prevented by achieving and maintaining accurate reduction. Cubitus varus deformity is not a functional problem, but it may become so disfiguring that correction is indicated.Methods: A total of 10 cases of cubitus varus deformity were treated with modified French osteotomy outcome was measured with by the method of Oppenheim WL, Clader et al.Results: In this study 10 cases treated with modified French osteotomy. In the present study 70% cases were female. All the patients were in the age group of 6-13 years. The average correction of carrying angle was 5.7 0 of valgus. All the patients were having nearly normal range of motion of the affected elbow. Only one patient suffered radial nerve injury. There was no infection or hypertrophic scar or non-union. The study showed result in the form of excellent - 70%, Good - 20% and poor - 10%.Conclusions: Modified French method proved safe and satisfactory as it has improved anatomy and cosmetic results. Loss of correction of cubitus varus deformity does not occur. A proper cases selection and proper planning of osteotomy, attention to the technical details is crucial to the success of supracondylar osteotomy of the humerus for correction of cubitus varus.