Cubitus Varus Deformity In Children Research Articles

Design and application of a novel 3D printing digital navigation template for cubitus varus deformity in children.

This study was aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of 3D printing digital template for treatment of cubitus varus deformity. 32 patients who underwent lateral closing osteotomy were evaluated between January 2018 and January 2020 in this retrospective study. Navigation templates were used in 17 cases, while conventional surgery in 15 cases. The carrying angles before and after surgery, operation time and elbow joint function were compared. Navigation templates matched well with the anatomical markers of the lateral humerus. More accurate osteotomy degrees, shorter operation time and less radiation exposure were achieved in the navigation template group (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up time, significant difference was found based on the Bellemore criteria (p = 0.0288). The novel navigation template can shorten operation time, improve the lateral closing osteotomy accuracy and improve postoperative elbow joint function.

Comparative study of external fixator combined with Kirschner wire fixation and Kirschner wires fixation in treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children

To analyze the effectiveness comparison of external fixator combined with Kirschner wire fixation and Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children. A retrospective case-control study was conducted to collect 36 children of postoperative supracondylar humerus fracture complicating cubitus varus deformity between January 2018 and July 2022. Among them, 17 cases were treated with distal humeral wedge osteotomy external fixation combined with Kirschner wire fixation (observation group), and 19 cases were treated with distal humeral wedge osteotomy and Kirschner wire fixation (control group). The baseline data including age, gender, deformity side, time from fracture to operation, carrying angle of the healthy side and preoperative carrying angle of the affected side, elbow flexion and extension range of motion, and lateral condylar prominence index (LCPI) showed no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, hospitalization cost, healing time of osteotomy, postoperative complications, and the carrying angle, LCPI, and elbow flexion and extention range of motion were recorded and compared between the two groups. The elbow function was assessed by Oppenheim score at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up. The children in both groups were followed up 13-48 months, with an average of 26.7 months. There was 1 case of needle tract infection in the observation group and 2 cases in the control group, and no nerve injury occurred, the difference in the incidence of complication (5.88% vs 10.53%) between the two groups was not significant ( χ 2=0.502, P=0.593). There was no significant difference in the operation time and fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05); the hospitalization cost of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The Oppenheim score of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group at 3 months after operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the Oppenheim score between the two groups at last follow-up ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the carrying angle of affected side significantly improved in both groups when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05); the differences of the pre- and post-operative carrying angle of affected side and elbow flexion and extension range of motion showed no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the difference in pre- and post-operative LCPI of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group ( P<0.05). External fixator combined with Kirschner wire fixation and Kirschner wire fixation both can achieve satisfactory correction of cubitus varus deformity in children, and the former can achieve better short-term functional recovery of elbow joint and reduce the incidence of humeral lateral condyle protrusion.

A systematic review of the operative techniques for treating cubitus varus deformity in children.

A systematic review of the operative techniques for treating cubitus varus deformity in children was performed using research databases including PubMed and Embase. Outcome measurements included mean angular correction of the humerus-elbow-wrist angle, complications, revisions and outcome scores. A total of 45 papers and 911 patients were included. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy (LCWO) (427 patients) was the most common procedure and 5.56% of these patients experienced lateral condylar prominence. This technique had the highest revision rate at 3%. The step-cut osteotomy (111 patients) yielded zero postoperative infections or loss of motion. Distraction osteogenesis (92 patients) was the least common technique. Superficial pin tract infections occurred in 18% of patients and 88.04% of patients reported excellent results, the highest of any technique in this study. The infection rate of dome osteotomy (151 patients) was 9.45% and 4.72% of patients experienced loss of motion. 3D osteotomy (130 patients) had no infections, 87.78% of patients reported excellent outcomes, and 2.22% of patients reported poor outcomes, the lowest of all techniques. For unidimensional correction, LCWO provides a technically simple procedure and reasonable outcomes. Step-cut osteotomy has less lateral condylar prominence but is more complicated than LCWO. Distraction osteogenesis is a minimally invasive alternative to LCWO and step-cut osteotomy, but it has more superficial infections and can be bothersome to patients. For a multidimensional correction, 3D osteotomy is superior to dome osteotomy due to its lower infection rate and higher rate of functionally excellent outcomes.

A Modified Reverse Right-angled Triangle Osteotomy Using the Lateral Approach for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Cubitus Varus Deformity in Children.

Cubitus varus deformity is a complex 3-dimensional deformity. Various osteotomies have been introduced to correct this deformity, however, there is no consensus on the best procedure to correct the deformity while avoiding complications. In this retrospective study, we used a modified inverse right-angled triangle osteotomy to treat 22 children with posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity. The primary objective was to evaluate this technique by presenting its clinical and radiologic results. Twenty-two consecutive patients with a cubitus varus deformity underwent a modified reverse right-angled triangle osteotomy between October 2017 and May 2020 and were then followed for a minimum of 24 months. We evaluated its clinical and radiologic results. Functional outcomes were assessed using Oppenheim criteria. The average follow-up period was 34.6 months (range, 24.0 to 58.1 months). The mean range of motion was 4.32 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 15 degrees)/122.73 degrees (range, 115 degrees to 130 degrees) (hyperextension/flexion) before surgery and 2.05 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 10 degrees)/127.27 degrees (range, 120 degrees to 145 degrees) at the final follow-up. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences between the flexion and hyperextension angles before surgery and at the final follow-up. Based on Oppenheim criteria, results were excellent for 20, good for 2, and none of the patients had poor results. The mean humerus-elbow-wrist angle improved from 18.23 degrees (range, 10 degrees to 25 degrees) varus preoperatively to 8.45 degrees (range, 5 degrees to 15 degrees) valgus postoperatively (P < 0.05). The mean of the preoperative lateral condylar prominence index was 3.52 (range, 2.5 to 5.2) and the average postoperative lateral condylar prominence index was -3.28 (range, -1.3 to -6.0). All patients were pleased with the overall appearance of their elbows. The modified reverse right-angled triangle osteotomy can precisely and stably correct the deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes, we recommend this technique as a simple, safe, and reliable correction of cubitus varus deformity. Level IV; case series; therapeutic studies-investigating the results of treatment.

Functional Outcome Analysis of Cubitus Varus Deformity Treatment in Children undergoing Modified French Osteotomy with Technical Modification: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Lateral closing wedge osteotomy is an accepted correction method for cubitus varus deformity. The techniques used to fix the osteotomy mostly lead to either angulation or loss of correction during the final tightening of the Stainless Steel (SS) wire at the osteotomy site. The records for patients undergoing two modifications in a conventional modified French Osteotomy were analysed. Four wires, two proximal and two distal to the osteotomy site for precision and guided compression over the other additional Kirschner wire (K-wire) at the osteotomy site, were the two modifications in these patients. Aim: To analyse the functional outcome of cubitus varus deformity in children treated with technical modifications of modified French osteotomy. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study done at the Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study duration was three years (from April 2019 to April 2022). A total of 34 cubitus varus deformity patients were included in this study who were operated with lateral closing wedge-modified French osteotomy with technical modification by K-wires. The patients were followed-up for a minimum of six months. The results were analysed using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Flynn’s criteria. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used and p-value&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-three (67.65%) cases were male, and 11 (32.35%) were female. Twenty-eight (82.4%) patients were children aged 5 to 10 years, 20 (58.8%) cases involved a rightsided deformity, while the remaining 14 (41.2%) had left-side involvement. The mean age was 7.58±2.49 years (ranging from 3 to 12 years). The mean time since they had initial trauma was 2.42±1.28 years. The preoperative mean cubitus varus angle was 11.73±2.39°, the mean hyperextension was 13.27±2.69°, and the mean internal rotation was 36.48±5.01°. Postoperative six months’ corrective mean carrying angle (valgus) was 5.79±2.46°, corrective hyperextension was 2.18±1.06°, and corrective internal rotation was 5.39±2.74°. Out of 34 cases, all had excellent results as analysed by Quick DASH and Flynn’s criteria. Conclusion: The technical modifications by K-wires in conventional modified French osteotomy provided guided compression over the osteotomy site, ensured perfect implant placement without cutting out the screw, and improved 3D (Dimensional) correction of cubitus varus deformity. So, it’s safe, simple, and effective.

Reverse V Osteotomy of the Distal Humerus for the Correction of Cubitus Varus

Introduction: Cubitus varus deformity is triplanar, consisting of sagittal, coronal, and rotational components. There are numerous osteotomy techniques proposed in the past to address the correction of this deformity. Most osteotomies are aimed at correcting varus components only and are labelled as uniplanar osteotomies. The goal of the osteotomy is to correct the alignment of the elbow joint to a normal range of 5 to 15 degrees and create a stable joint. Cubitus varus deformity in children is a late complication of supracondylar humerus fracture.

A novel method of lateral closing wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in children

BackgroundHumeral osteotomy is the best method for treatment of severe cubitus varus in children. Many osteotomy methods have been developed in the past. In this study, we describe a novel corrective technique by applying the principles described by Paley involving lateral osteotomy using Kirschner wires (K-wires). Vertices of the osteotomy should be located at the center of rotation of angulation. The anatomical and mechanical axes can be corrected with precision.Patients and methodsIn this retrospective study, 21 patients (17 male, 4 female) who fulfilled the study criteria and underwent lateral closing osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity from July 2015 to October 2017 were included into the study. The osteotomy line of all patients was designed according to Paley’s principles. An isosceles triangle template was made according to the design preoperatively. The lateral osteotomy was made with the assistance of C-arm radiographs. The osteotomy was fixed by K-wires laterally. Patients were followed up, and elbows were evaluated by radiography and using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score.ResultsThe mean correction angle obtained was 32.33°±2.83°. According to the MEPI score assessment, 19 of the 21 patients had an excellent outcome and two had a good outcome. Two patients complained of conspicuous scars; however, no further cosmetic surgery was performed. The range of motion was 135.0° preoperatively and 133.7° postoperatively, showing no significant difference (p = 0.326). None showed evidence of neurovascular injury or complained of prominence of the lateral humerus.ConclusionPaley’s principles for correcting cubitus varus deformity in children are effective and reliable for treating such a condition.Level of evidenceTherapeutic IV.

Case report of step cut osteotomy for cubitus varus: a superior surgical technique

&lt;p&gt;Lateral closing wedge osteotomy is a commonly described procedure for correcting cosmetically unacceptable post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity in children. We report a case of 12-year-old boy who underwent step cut osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity. Preoperative measurements of varus deformity followed by planning of osteotomy using a template was done. Intraoperatively the preplanned cuts were made using a posterior approach and then fixation was done using k wire. Patient recovered completely with correction of deformity. Step cut osteotomy has key advantages over traditional closing wedge osteotomy and hence can be used as an alternative surgical technique.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Neural wedge osteotomy method of correction for cubitus varus deformity in children.

In this study, we evaluated the clinical outcome of neutral wedge osteotomy assisted with the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method of distal humerus anatomical axis for the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children. From 2016 to 2019, 20 children with cubitus varus deformity after supracondylar fracture of the humerus were enrolled. Standard anteroposterior radiograph of the humerus was taken preoperatively. The CORA point and angulation angles were obtained by measuring the proximal and distal humerus anatomical axis. During the operation, neutral wedge osteotomy was performed to correct the varus deformity. The Baumann angle and the carrying angle were used to evaluate the correction effect of the distal humeral varus deformity. The average age of the patients was 7.8 years. Patients were followed up for an average of 29.3 months (range, 24–36 months). The average interval between surgery and injury was 12 months. The mean preoperative Baumann angle and carrying angle were 99° (90°–115°) and –14° (range, –10° to –30°), respectively. At the last follow-up, the mean Baumann angle and carrying angle was 76° (70°–80°) and 13.6° (10°–18°), respectively, with 16 cases showing excellent outcome and 4 cases showing good outcome. Our results indicated that the neutral wedge osteotomy assisted with CORA method of distal humerus anatomical axis showed good clinical outcomes in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children and is worthy of clinical application. The level of evidence is IV.

Corrective Osteotomy in cubitus varus deformity in children: A prospective study

Background and Aim: Cubitus varus deformity is the most common late complication aftersupracondylar fracture of the distal humerus in children, incidence varying from 4% to 58%. Thepresent study was done to evaluate the results of dome osteotomy. Material and Methods: Thisprospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over 16 months. In all patients humerus-elbow wrist angle was measured on both sides and the correction needed was calculated. The lateralcondyle prominence index (LCPI) was calculated by anteroposterior view radiographs of thedeformed and the normal elbow in full extension by (AB-BC)/AC. Dome osteotomy with para tricepsapproach was used. Pre and post-operative carrying angle of elbow, range of motion and lateralprominence indices were compared. Results: The age of patients ranged from 3 to 15 years with amean age of 8.47±3.14 years. Preoperative carrying angle of normal side ranged from 80 to 140and that of effected side ranged from -23 to -13 and the difference was statistically significant(p&lt;0.05). LCPI ranged from -8.4 to 5.9%. The majority of cases had LCPI &gt;2.7%. As compared to,an improvement in carrying angle at defect side was observed to be 28.41±2.15 which wassignificant (p&lt;0.05). At baseline mean LCPI was 0.39±3.87% which changed to -0.86±3.47%, themean change of this was significant (p=0.01). baseline Conclusion: Dome osteotomy is a relativelytechnically demanding technique for correction of cubitus varus deformity but with a betterfunctional outcome without being associated with lateral condyle prominence.

The lateral curved osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in children: A case report and literature review

IntroductionCubitus varus deformity after malunited supracondylar humerus fracture has various surgical techniques, implant configurations, and approaches. We describe a combination of French and Dome osteotomy and novel internal fixation technique to deliver an easy, safe, fast and reproducible result based on the current best evidence. Presentation of caseTwo cases of malunited supracondylar humerus are described. The first case involves a 3-year-old girl who presented with outstretched and supinated left arm after falling during bike riding 3 weeks earlier. We found no abnormality in radial and median nerve function, but the left arm radiographs showed a callus formation and the early stages of a malunited fracture of the supracondylar humerus. We waited two months for further radiographic evaluation and the radiographs showed the malunited supracondylar humerus with elbow flexion of only 105° and elbow hyperextension of 20°. The cubitus varus was recorded with clinical carrying angle of varus 10°. We used a combination of original French and Dome osteotomy, lateral approach, and our novel fixation technique with excellent results. The second case involved a 8-year-old boy with malunited right elbow and the surgery was done in the same manner, with the result of restoration to normal elbow range of motion. We also assessed the pain score and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and recorded satisfactory results. ConclusionsThe combination of French and Dome osteotomy for treatment of cubitus varus deformity can provide an easy, safe, and reproducible result.

Understanding the susceptibility to lateral condyle fracture by analyzing unaffected Baumann's angle in children with distal humeral fracture

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity in children is somehow related to subsequent humeral lateral condyle fracture. Moreover, we had previously encountered an exactly similar case. In this study, we aim to understand whether there is a morphological difference between pediatric supracondylar and lateral condyle fracture of the humerus by comparing Baumann's angle of the unaffected elbow. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective evaluation of 40 cases of supracondylar fractures (36 boys, 4 girls) and 20 cases of lateral condyle fractures (16 boys, 4 girls) at a single facility between January 2014 and December 2018. The unaffected Baumann's angles and lateral capitellohumeral angles of both groups were measured by two orthopedic surgeons and analyzed using Welch's t-test. The effect size was also calculated using Cohen's d, and intraclass correlation coefficients were applied for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. ResultsThe average age of patients in the supracondylar fracture group was 6.78 years and that in the lateral condyle fracture group was 5.70 years. No significant differences were observed between gender and fracture type, between laterality and fracture type, and in the lateral capitellohumeral angles between the groups. Baumann's angle was significantly less in the lateral condyle fracture group (17.27° ± 4.68°) than in the supracondylar fracture group (20.28° ± 3.10°) as analyzed by Welch's t-test (p = 0.015). The effect size was 0.76. Each of the intra-rater reliabilities were 0.97 and 0.96, whereas the inter-rater reliability was 0.75. ConclusionsA significant morphological difference was found between the supracondylar fracture group and the lateral condyle fracture group. The loss of Baumann's angle which tends to occur after the healing of supracondylar fracture may increase the susceptibility to lateral condyle fracture. Orthopedic surgeons should repair and fix supracondylar fractures appropriately to avoid an ipsilateral second fracture, such as lateral condyle fracture.

小児の外傷後内反肘変形に対してModified Step-cut Osteotomyを施行した2例

小児の外傷後内反肘変形に対してModified Step-cut Osteotomyを施行した2例

Oblique Lateral Closing-Wedge Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus in Skeletally Immature Patients.

We perform an oblique lateral closing-wedge osteotomy of the distal end of the humerus to correct cubitus varus deformity in children. This deformity is often the consequence of undertreatment, malreduction, or malunion of supracondylar humeral fractures1. Although standard arcs of motion may be altered, cosmesis was traditionally considered a primary surgical indication. However, uncorrected cubitus varus leads to posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow (PLRI)2, lateral condylar fractures3, snapping medial triceps, and ulnar nerve instability4. A contemporary understanding of these delayed sequelae has expanded our current indications. Detailed parameters predictive of late sequelae are needed to further specify surgical indications. We remove an oblique lateral closing wedge from the distal end of the humerus via a standard lateral approach. The osteotomy is angled away from the varus joint line such that lateral cortices after reduction lack prominence. Kirschner wires provide adequate fixation in young patients. In older children, extension is simultaneously corrected, and fragments are stabilized via plate osteosynthesis. Patients who decline surgery are counseled regarding risks of delaying treatment until symptoms are present. PLRI manifests as lateral elbow pain or instability while rising from a chair. Once symptomatic, the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) is irreversibly attenuated and morphologic changes in the ulnohumeral joint necessitate more extensive surgery to include distal humeral osteotomy, LUCL reconstruction, and possibly ulnar nerve transposition5. Alternative osteotomy techniques are described and categorized as simple lateral closing wedge, step-cut6-9, dome, 3-dimensional10, or distraction osteogenesis. Simple closing-wedge osteotomies include a distal cut parallel to the joint line and retain a problematic lateral prominence (if the medial cortex is intact or the distal end of the humerus is not translated medially)11,12. Step-cut osteotomies theoretically minimize this lateral prominence while enhancing inherent stability. However, these additional cuts mandate wide surgical exposure despite similar outcomes13. Three-dimensional planning employs computed tomography to create expensive anatomic cutting guides that address varus, extension, and internal rotation. However, residual internal rotation is generally well tolerated, derotation is associated with loss of fixation, and the extension deformity will successfully remodel in patients who are <10 years old14. We employ 3-dimensional planning in skeletally mature patients with complex deformity and no remodeling potential. The oblique lateral closing wedge is ideal for skeletally immature patients because it is simple, reproducible, and efficient. It avoids the lateral prominence without increasing complexity or complications.

Application of computer simulation in the treatment of traumatic cubitus varus deformity in children.

Cubitus varus deformity is common in children. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of computer simulation based on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) reconstruction with regard to preoperative planning and surgical treatment in children with traumatic cubitus varus deformity.The study included 13 patients with traumatic cubitus varus deformity between January 2012 and January 2015. The original 3D-CT data were transferred to Mimics 10.01 software. Special tools were used for simulation of supracondylar lateral wedge osteotomy of the humerus. Intraoperative elbow arthrography was used to identify the articular surface of the elbow joint for assisting the judgment of the osteotomy site. Kirschner wires were used to determine the osteotomy plane and angle. The osteotomy site was fixed by crossing Kirschner wires and steel wire tension band.Of the 13 patients, 11 were male and 2 were female. The left side was affected in 8 patients, and the right side was affected in 5 patients. The patient age ranged from 2 years to 14 years (mean age, 6 years and 7 months). The varus angle ranged from 12° to 35° (mean angle, 20°). The carrying angle on the contralateral side ranged from 5° to 18° (mean angle, 10°). The varus deformities showed good correction. The 13 patients were followed up for 24 to 60 months (mean follow-up, 38 months). According to the Flynn score of elbow joint function after surgery: 10 patients had excellent function, 2 had good function, and 1 had fair function. The excellent rate was 92.3%. At the final follow-up, the ipsilateral carrying angle ranged from 4° to 15° (mean angle, 11°).Computer simulation based on 3D-CT reconstruction can provide good information on the right humeral osteotomy position and osteotomy angle. It can guide the actual operation and provide better results after surgery. Intraoperative elbow arthrography is useful to determine the level of elbow joint osteotomy, and it can assist in the operation.Level of evidence: Level IV-retrospective case, treatment study.

Application of 3D printing osteotomy plate in osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus in children

Objective To study the application value of 3D printing osteotomy plate technique in the correction of cubitus varus deformity in children. Methods From July 2014 to December 2015, 7 patients with cubitus varus deformity were treated with wedge-shaped osteotomy of lateral humeral supracondylar. Before surgery thin-section CT scan and elbow joint three-dimensional reconstruction were performed. According to the cubitus varus situation, the best osteotomy angle was designed and then a guide plate was established which was anatomically consistent with the osteotomy range. Three-dimensional data model of the guide plate were input into 3D printer for producing guide plate. During the operation, the established guide plate of osteotomy was matched with the part of humeral osteotomy. After osteotomy along the plate, the osteotomy gap was slowly closed and fixed by plate. Results The osteotomy angle was satisfactory in 7 cases after operation. Postoperative follow-up time ranged from 3 to 6 months with an average of 4 months. The elbow function was evaluated according to the Mayo elbow function score. The results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 1 case and fair in 1 case. Conclusion The osteotomy plate which is 3D printed can provide a personalized and accurate osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus deformity in children. Key words: Elbow joint; Osteotomy; Cubitus varus; 3D printing

Lateral closing wedge osteotomy and modified cross pinning with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in childrenLateral closing wedge osteotomy and modified cross pinning with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children

To explore the therapeutic effects of distal humeral lateral closing wedge osteotomy followed by modified pinning combined with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children. Total 26 adult patients with cubitus varus deformity were treated by operation from March 2011 to June 2015, 15 patients were boys and the other 11 patients were girls, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years, with an average of 7.8 years. The cubitus varus angel ranged from 11 degrees to 24 degrees, with a mean(17.50±6.73) degrees, 3 patients complicated more than 10 degrees constriction of flexion. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy retaining the medial 3 to 4 mm intact cortex by lateral elbow approach was applied in these 26 patients. The wedge defect were closed and fixed by crossing pinning. The lateral column compression was achieved with external tension band(the crossing pins were bended laterally and the pin ends were hooked mutually). The pre-operative, post-oparetive and contralateral carrying angles were compared and Laupattarakasem criteria was used to evaluate the results at follow-up. All the patients got bony union 2 months after operation and there was no infection or nerve palsy. The average follow-up period was 18.8 months (ranged, 13 to 29 months). The carrying angle was restored to(11.50±3.17) degrees(ranged, 8 to 14 degrees). According to the Laupattarakasem evaluation criteria, 14 patients got an excellent result, 13 good and 1 fair. Normal carrying angle and elbow flexion could be restored by lateral closing wedge osteotomy, and stable fixation could be achieved with crossing pinning and external tension band, which is available for early mobilization.

Management of Cubitus Varus Deformity in Children by Closed Dome Osteotomy.

Supracondylar fractures are the most common elbow injuries in skeletally immature children between 5-10 years of age and cubitus varus deformity is the most common late complication. Cubitus varus or bow elbow or gunstock deformity is the result of malunion occurring as a complication of supracondylar fracture of the humerus. Various type of corrective osteotomies are used of which lateral closed wedge French osteotomy is commomly used which has its own complications like lateral condylar prominence, unsightful scar and limitation of movement. Closed dome osteotomy is a technique which overcomes these complications. This surgery is done with simple readily available instruments in the orthopaedic operation theatre with no special requirements for instrumentation. This study was done to study the results of closed dome osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus deformity, after malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus in children. This study included 25 children of either sex with malunited supracondylar fracture of distal humerus having cubitus varus deformity admitted in orthopaedics department. After appropriate pre operative assessment, closed dome osteotomy was done and post operatively X-ray of patients was taken and carrying angle and Lateral Condylar Prominence Index (LCPI) were calculated. Patients were re-assessed at complete union and results were calculated as per Mitchell and Adams criteria. In our study of 25 patients, 68% were males, 32% were females. Majority (84%) of patients were in the age group of 5-10 years. Carrying angle post operatively was 0-10° valgus in 64% of patients while 36% had 10-20° valgus. LCPI changed post operatively ranging from +5.0% to -10.7%, average -2.75%. Decrease in LCPI had better cosmetic appearance. Range of motion post operatively increased or remained same as previous full motion in 84% of the patients. Union occurred in all patients by eight weeks. Few complications were seen. Results according to Mitchell and Adams criteria were excellent in 88% and good in 12%; while no poor results were recorded. The results obtained in our study concluded that closed dome osteotomy is safe and effective treatment for the correction of cubitus varus deformity with few minor complications.

Lateral closing isosceles triangular osteotomy for the treatment of a post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity in children.

Cubitus varus is the most common late complication of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children. Correction can be performed using one of a number of techniques of osteotomy but each has disadvantages. We describe a new technique for correcting post-traumatic cubitus varus using a lateral closing wedge isosceles triangular osteotomy. A lateral closing wedge isosceles triangular osteotomy was performed in 25 patients (15 male and ten female with a mean age of 9.5 years (6 to 12)) between May 2010 and April 2013. All patients had cubitus varus secondary to malunion of a supracondylar fracture, with good function of the elbow and a full range of movement. The osteotomy lines were marked on the bone with an isosceles triangular template made before surgery, after which the osteotomy was performed leaving the medial cortex intact. Fixation was performed using two lateral 2 mm Kirschner (K)-wires and patients were immobilised in an above-elbow plaster. By six to eight weeks callus was present and the wires and cast were removed. Patients were reviewed at four and six weeks, three, six and 12 months and then every two years until skeletal maturity. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were categorised as excellent, good or poor. A total of 23 patients had an excellent and two had a good outcome at a mean final follow-up of 3.4 years (two to four). The mean post-operative carrying angle in the corrected elbow was 11.7° (7° to 18°). One patient fell, displacing the osteotomy, and needed revision of the fixation. No patient had a nerve injury. A lateral isosceles triangular osteotomy and with K-wire fixation is a practical, effective, reliable, safe and simple method of correcting post-traumatic cubitus varus in children. It has inherent stability and excellent cosmesis without prominence of the lateral condyle. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1521-5.

Triple modified French osteotomy: a possible answer to cubitus varus deformity. A technical note

Cubitus varus is the most common delayed complication of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. We developed a new technique, the triple modified French osteotomy, that we believe may be the answer to this common but yet unsolved deformity. Ten patients aged between 6 and 12 years with post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity were operated on with the triple modified French technique. A varus angle of more than 10° measured on the radiograph was an indication for surgery. The radiologic union at the osteotomy site took place in a mean period of 5.5 weeks (range, 4.5-7 weeks). The average correction achieved by the osteotomy was 27°. There were no cases with complications of radial or ulnar nerve palsy or joint stiffness. The triple modified lateral closing wedge French osteotomy is a simple and cosmetically effective method of treating cubitus varus deformity in children. It may obviate the need for more complex procedures; at the same time, it also addresses the potential drawbacks of a simple closing wedge osteotomy.