Lateral Closing Research Articles

Analysis of bone union after medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy using a new radiographic scoring system.

To compare bone union after medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy (MCWDFO) with that after lateral closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LCWDFO) using a novel scoring system. The data of 30 patients who received biplanar MCWDFO for valgus knees (MCWDFO group) were retrospectively examined and compared to that of 22 patients (25 knees) who underwent biplanar LCWDFO via a double-level osteotomy (DLO) for varus knees (LCWDFO group). The progression of bone union of the transverse osteotomy plane in the femur was assessed using a newly developed scoring system using radiographs taken immediately after surgery and 3 and 6months postoperatively. The scoring system is based on a scale of zero to six points with higher scores indicating better bone union. The incidence of hinge fractures was assessed using CT images, and the rates of reoperation were evaluated using medical record data. The mean bone union score was significantly lower in the MCWDFO group than in the LCWDFO group 3months (2.1 ± 1.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.7, P < 0.01) and 6months (3.8 ± 2.1 vs 4.9 ± 1.5, P < 0.05) postoperatively. The incidence ratio of hinge fractures was significantly higher in the MCWDFO group than in the LCWDFO group (70.0% vs. 32.0%, P < 0.01). Two patients in the MCWDFO group underwent reoperation for delayed bone union or non-union. Bone union progression was slower and hinge fractures were more frequently observed after MCWDFO than after LCWDFO via DLO. MCWDFO is technically challenging, and patients must be monitored closely during and after surgery.

Long-Term Outcome of Valgus Osteotomy and Fixation with Double Angled Dynamic Hip Screw for Nonunion Fracture of the Neck of the Femur in Young Adults.

Objective To evaluate the long-term results of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy fixed with double angled dynamic hip screw for nonunion fracture of the neck of the femur in young adults. This implant allows more freedom of fixation in the sagittal plane. Very few studies have evaluated the long-term outcome for treatment of nonunion in fractures of the neck of the femur. Methods This is a prospective interventional study that included 20 patients with nonunion of the fracture of the neck of the femur aged < 60 years old without avascular necrosis of the head and significant resorption of the neck of the femur. A lateral closing wedge osteotomy was performed just above the lesser trochanter after inserting the Richard screw across the nonunion site, and it was fixed with a double-angle 120° barrel plate. The outcome was evaluated using union rate and the Harris Hip Score for functional outcome. Results The average postoperative decrease in the Pauwels angle was of 28.9°. A total of 80% of the cases progressed to union within a mean duration of 7.53 months. The mean Harris Hip Score at the final follow-up was 86.45. Conclusion Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy and fixation with a double angled dynamic hip screw is a reliable and effective method for preservation of head and promoting union in an ununited fractured neck of the femur in young patients.

Clinical study of outcomes of supracondylar osteotomy in correcting cubitus varus deformities

Background: It is the most frequent complication of treatment for supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Although cubitus varus has been conventionally described as a cosmetic deformity with little functional significance, Supracondylar fracture of humerus is one of the commonest fractures sustained by children. It is one of the difficult fractures to treat due complications like malunion, neurovascular injury, ischemic contracture. Much attention paid to prevention of malunion by anatomical reduction either by closed or open method. The present study evaluates a technique of correction of post-traumatic cubitus varus in children with a laterally based closing-wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus with medial displacement of distal fragment, through a lateral approach and fixation with percutaneous Kirschner wires. Material and Methods: A Retrospective study, which was conducted in department of Orthopaedics of Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha, Haryana, India, in 42 children with cubitus varus deformity following supracondylar fracture of humerus, were treated by lateral closing wedge osteotomy with medial displacement of distal fragment and fixation with percutaneous K-wires. Out of these, 36 children who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were available for assessment of final outcome were included in this study.

Ulnar nerve injury post Cubitus varus correction by lateral closing wedge osteotomy: Lessons learnt

Ulnar nerve injury post Cubitus varus correction by lateral closing wedge osteotomy: Lessons learnt

Acute Correction and Plate Fixation for the Management of Severe Infantile Blount's Disease: Short-term Results.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-term results of lateral closing wedge osteotomy with medial hemiplateau elevation for the management of severe infantile Blount's disease.Materials and methodsIn this prospective study, 11 cases of severe Blount's disease (Langenskiold stages five and six) were managed in the period between January 2017 and January 2020. Double osteotomy technique was applied, namely a metaphyseal closing wedge and a medial hemiplateau elevation, through a single midline incision. Fixation was achieved by a medial anatomical locked plate. Patients were evaluated clinically according to a modified version of paediatric outcomes data collection Instrument (PODCI) and radiologically by measuring the angle between the tibial and the femoral shaft, the mechanical axis deviation (MAD) and the angle of the medial tibial plateau (MTP) depression.ResultsThe average follow-up period was 2 years. Healing of the osteotomies was achieved in all cases after the index operation within an average of 3 months. Based on our modification of the PODCI score, five cases had an excellent outcome, five were good, and one case ended with a fair outcome. No major complications were encountered in this study.ConclusionThe management of severe Blount's disease by acute correction using the aforementioned technique has been proven to achieve acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes without significant complications.Level of evidenceLevel IV case series study.How to cite this articleNada AA, Hammad ME, Eltanahy AF, et al. Acute Correction and Plate Fixation for the Management of Severe Infantile Blount's Disease: Short-term Results. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(2):78–85.

Dislocated hinge fractures are associated with malunion after lateral closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy

PurposeTo evaluate the incidence, morphology, and associated complications of medial cortical hinge fractures after lateral closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LCW-DFO) for varus malalignment and to identify constitutional and technical factors predisposing for hinge fracture and consecutive complications.MethodsSeventy-nine consecutive patients with a mean age of 47 ± 12 years who underwent LCW-DFO for symptomatic varus malalignment at the authors’ institution between 01/2007 and 03/2018 with a minimum of 2-year postoperative time interval were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Demographic and surgical data were collected. Measurements evaluating the osteotomy cut (length, wedge height, hinge angle) and the location of the hinge (craniocaudal and mediolateral orientation, relation to the adductor tubercle) were conducted on postoperative anterior–posterior knee radiographs and the incidence and morphology of medial cortical hinge fractures was assessed. A risk factor analysis of constitutional and technical factors predisposing for the incidence of a medial cortical hinge fracture and consecutive complications was conducted.ResultsThe incidence of medial cortical hinge fractures was 48%. The most frequent morphological type was an extension fracture type (68%), followed by a proximal (21%) and distal fracture type (11%). An increased length of the osteotomy in mm (53.1 ± 10.9 vs. 57.7 ± 9.6; p = 0.049), an increased height of the excised wedge in mm (6.5 ± 1.9 vs. 7.9 ± 3; p = 0.040) as well as a hinge location in the medial sector of an established sector grid (p = 0.049) were shown to significantly predispose for the incidence of a medial cortical hinge fracture. The incidence of malunion after hinge fracture (14%) was significantly increased after mediolateral dislocation of the medial cortical bone > 2 mm (p < 0.05).ConclusionMedial cortical hinge fractures after LCW-DFO are a common finding. An increased risk of sustaining a hinge fracture has to be expected with increasing osteotomy wedge height and a hinge position close to the medial cortex. Furthermore, dislocation of a medial hinge fracture > 2 mm was associated with malunion and should, therefore, be avoided.Level of evidencePrognostic study; Level IV.

Management of Pauwels Type 3 Femur Neck Fracture by Open Reduction Internal Fixation with DHS System and Intertrochanteric Valgus Osteotomy: A Case Series

Femur neck is anatomically weaker and prone for fractures in all age groups of population.trauma is major cause of fracture in young individuals. Neck of femur fracture are classified based on anatomical location of fracture , pauwels classification system using orientation of fracture line and gardens system based on trabecular alignment in femur head and acetabulum. In young patients open reduction and internal fixation is preferred choice but in elderly we perform arthroplasty. When fracture is more vertical there are chances of non-union due to shear forces across fracture site.In this case series all the patients are having neck of femur fracture pauwels type 3 and are managed with lateral closing wedge valgus osteotomy at level of lesser trochanter to convert shear forces into compression forces which promotes healing of fracture And fixation is done using DHS system and CC screws .all patients were mobilised with Walker by nil weight bearing initially and followed up at 2 weekly interval later gradually weight bearing started as tolerated and all shows union of fracture and osteotomy site at 12 weeks post op. Keywords: Neck of femur fracture, Pauwels type 3, Pauwels angle, DHS system, Valgus osteotomy, Compression forces

A Comparison of First Ray Length and Dorsiflexion after Arthrodesis, Osteotomy and Suture Button Procedures for Hallux Valgus Deformity

Category:Bunion; Lesser Toes; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:Shortening and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsal are a known side effect of metatarsal osteotomies for hallux valgus (HV) deformity with the potential to cause transfer metatarsalgia. We compared the effect of the first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis (Lapidus), proximal lateral closing wedge osteotomy (PLCWO), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation procedures on the length and dorsiflexion of the first ray.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 123 feet in 115 patients. The average age was 54. There were 106 females. Eighty-four feet had a Lapidus procedure, 14 had a PLCWO, and 24 had intermetatarsal suture button fixation. Digital radiographic measurements were made for pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), absolute and relative shortening of the first ray, and dorsiflexion.Results:Preoperative HVA and IMA did not differ between treatment groups (p>0.05 for each). Similar corrections of HVA (30.1 to 12.3 degrees) and IMA (14.7 to 7.0 degrees) were achieved in all three groups (p>0.05). There were significant differences in absolute first-cuneiform-metatarsal length (FCML) between Lapidus (-1.5mm), PLCWO (-2.5mm), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation (+1.1mm) (p<0.05). There were also significant differences in relative 1st metatarsal shortening between Lapidus (0.32mm relative lengthening), PLCWO (1.05mm relative shortening), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation (1.24mm lengthening) (p<0.05). Average dorsiflexion differed between the Lapidus (1.95 degrees) and PLCWO groups (0.49 degrees) (p<0.05).Conclusion:The use of the intermetatarsal suture button fixation relatively lengthens the first ray, whereas the Lapidus and PLCWO shorten it. Dorsiflexion may be higher with Lapidus and osteotomy procedures. These findings may be helpful to explain postoperative symptoms of metatarsalgia and for the surgeon’s selection of the appropriate surgical technique for preoperative planning.

Good long-term survival and patient-reported outcomes after high tibial osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis.

The lateral closing and medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy can correct a varus malalignment of the knee caused by medial compartment osteoarthritis. These procedures have produced great short-term and mid-term results. As no systematic review has examined their long-term results yet, the goal of this article was to compare the results of all articles about lateral closing and medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomies, published after the year 2000, with a mean follow-up of more than 10 years. A systematic search of the Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane databases resulted in the inclusion of 30 articles. All these studies combined examined the results of 7087 high tibial osteotomies in a total of 6636 patients after a mean follow-up of more than 10 years. Primary outcome measures were the survival rate of the osteotomy, functional scores, patient satisfaction and pain scores. Secondary outcome measures were alignment correction and the identification of factors influencing the survival of the osteotomy. The 5-year, 10-year, 15-year and 20-year survival rates, respectively, ranged from 86 to 100%, 64-97.6%, 44-93.2% and 46-85.1%. The subjective scoring systems showed an improvement postoperatively that was maintained until final follow-up. The anatomical and mechanical tibiofemoral axis were, respectively, corrected to a mean of 7.3°-13.8° of valgus and 0.6°-4° of valgus. The results of the articles evaluating the influence of potential risk factors were contradictory. Despite the low quality of the available evidence, the lateral closing and medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy seem to remain valid long-term treatment options for patients with painful varus malalignment caused by isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The available results indicate that the need for arthroplasty could be delayed for more than 15years in the majority of patients. However, higher-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings. As a systematic review is assigned a level of evidence equivalent to the lowest level of evidence used from the analyzed manuscripts, the level of evidence of this systematic review is IV.

Functional and radiological medium term outcome following supramalleolar osteotomy for asymmetric ankle arthritis- A case series of 33 patients

IntroductionAnkle arthritis is one of the most disabling and painful conditions. Up to 37.5% of ankle arthritis presents as asymmetric arthritis with ankle malalignment. Supramalleolar osteotomy is a joint sparing operation, which aims to realign the ankle joint that will prevent progression of arthritis and relieve patient's symptoms. AimThe aim of this study is to analyse the medium term functional and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent supramalleolar osteotomy for asymmetric ankle arthritis. Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective outcome study of medium term outcome for 33 patients who underwent Supramalleolar osteotomy for asymmetric ankle arthritis by a single surgeon. We assessed the functional outcome of the patients with AOFAS and VAS score. The radiological parameters measured were Tibial articular surface ankle (TAS), Hind foot alignment angle (HFA) and Talar tilt angle (TT). We used the paired Student's t-test to compare the preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements, AOFAS and VAS scores. We set the significance level at P < 0.05. ResultsWe had 21 patients who underwent lateral closing wedge osteotomy for varus deformity and 12 patients who underwent medial closing wedge osteotomy for valgus deformity. The mean followup was 72 months [29–73]. The mean AOFAS score significantly improved by 44.82 ± 7.97 (p < 0.0001). The VAS score significantly improved by 5.06 ± 1.41 (p < 0.0001). All the radiological parameters showed statistically significant improvement. All osteotomy united by 8–10 weeks. We had one case of late deep wound infection, which settled down with by metalwork removal. The arthritis progressed in three cases, two patients had fusion and one patient had ankle replacement. We had 90.9% survival rate for our osteotomy at 6 years. ConclusionSupramalleolar osteotomy is an excellent option for patients with asymmetric ankle arthritis with good functional and radiological outcome and good medium term survival rate.

Early correction of malunited supracondylar humerus fractures in young children

IntroductionSupracondylar fracture malunion usually results in cubitus varus deformity. The long-standing unsightly deformity causes psychological stress to the child and his/her parents in addition to biomechanical disturbances and functional disorders in the affected elbow. The optimal timing of corrective osteotomy is not well-established in the literature. The present study aimed to report the results of early correction of cubitus varus deformity using a simple technique and to focus on the timing of early correction after supracondylar fracture malunion. Patients and MethodsThirty consecutive patients treated for recent cubitus varus deformity after malunited supracondylar fractures, in the period between January 2012 and August 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had early surgical correction of the deformity within one year after the initial injury. In patients who presented with maluniting supracondylar fracture, the fracture was splinted until union was achieved, then active exercises were encouraged until elbow ROM was regained. The deformity was then corrected with a lateral closing wedge (LCW) osteotomy and fixed with two lateral and one medial wire. ResultsAll the osteotomies united. All the deformities were corrected. The humerus-elbow-wrist (HEW) angle significantly improved compared to the pre-operative values (p<0.001). All patients achieved satisfactory results at the final evaluation. Twenty-six patients (86.7%) achieved excellent results while four patients (13.3%) achieved good results. ConclusionEarly correction of cubitus varus deformity avoids the psychological stress of the long-standing unsightly deformity to the young child and his/her family. It also avoids the delayed biomechanical and functional disturbances to the affected elbow. The LCW osteotomy and the three-wires fixation technique are simple and effective to correct the deformity and maintain the correction.

Lunate loads following different osteotomies used to treat Kienböck's disease: A 3D finite element analysis

BackgroundOne of most accepted principles for treating Kienböck's disease before wrist degeneration settles in is to decompress the lunate by an osteotomy. Several osteotomies have been proposed since 1935. However, they are based on biomechanical hypotheses that are sometimes conflicting: This study compares the decompression effect of radius transverse shortening, radius lateral closing and medial closing wedge osteotomies, capitate shortening – with and without hamate shortening – and a Camembert-type radius wedge osteotomy with and without ulnar head shortening according to Sennwald. MethodsWe built a 3D wrist model using finite elements that included the metacarpal, carpal and forearm bones. All wrist ligaments and Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex were incorporated in the simulation. Load was applied on the metacarpals with the forearm bones fixed. We then applied the different osteotomies to the model. FindingsWhen load was applied to the wrist, the osteotomies that best unloaded the lunate were the capitate shortening osteotomy combined with hamate shortening and the Camembert osteotomy combined with ulna shortening; the latter was the only osteotomy that completely unloaded the lunate. InterpretationWe think the association of the radius Camembert osteotomy and ulna Sennwald's shortening osteotomy is the most effective procedure to propose in Kienböck's disease.

Radiographic Impact of Lapidus, Proximal Lateral Closing Wedge Osteotomy, and Suture Button Procedures on First Ray Length and Dorsiflexion for Hallux Valgus.

Shortening and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsal are known potential side effects of metatarsal osteotomies for hallux valgus (HV) with the potential to cause transfer metatarsalgia. We compared the effect of the first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis (Lapidus procedure), proximal lateral closing wedge osteotomy (PLCWO), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation procedures on the length and dorsiflexion of the first ray. We retrospectively evaluated 105 feet in 99 patients with 30 weeks of follow-up. The average age was 54 years. Seventy-four feet had a Lapidus procedure, 12 had a PLCWO, and 19 had intermetatarsal suture button fixation. Digital radiographic measurements were made for the pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), absolute and relative shortening of the first ray, and dorsiflexion. Preoperative HVA and IMA did not differ between treatment groups (P > .05 for each). Similar corrections of HVA (30.5-13.5 degrees) were achieved between all groups (P > .05). The IMA was improved more in the Lapidus group (14.3-6.5 degrees) compared with the suture button fixation group (14.2-8.1 degrees) (P = .045). There were significant differences in the change in absolute first cuneiform-metatarsal length (FCML) between the Lapidus (-1.6 mm), PLCWO (-2.3 mm), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation (+1.9 mm) procedure (P = .004). There were also significant differences in relative first metatarsal shortening between the Lapidus (0.1 mm relative shortening), PLCWO (1.1 mm relative shortening), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation (1.3 mm lengthening) procedure (P < .001). The average dorsiflexion differed between the Lapidus (1.8 degrees) and suture button fixation (0.4 degrees) groups (P = .004). Intermetatarsal suture button fixation relatively lengthened the first ray, the Lapidus procedure maintained length, and the PLCWO relatively and absolutely shortened it. Dorsiflexion may be higher with the Lapidus and osteotomy procedures. Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Diagnosis and Operation Results for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability with Subtle Cavovarus Deformity and a Peek-A-Boo Heel Sign.

Cavovarus deformity is considered an anatomical risk factor for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). However, subtle deformity can be difficult to detect, and its correction is controversial. The current study aimed to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of a modified Broström procedure (MBP) with additional procedures for CLAI with subtle cavovarus deformity and a positive peek-a-boo heel sign. We reviewed the records of 15 patients who underwent MBP with additional procedures for CLAI with a positive peek-a-boo heel sign between August 2009 and April 2015. Consecutive physical and radiographic examinations were performed. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and the Karlsson-Peterson (KP) ankle score were applied to assess clinical outcomes. Weight bearing radiographs, hindfoot alignment view, and ankle stress radiographs were also examined. The mean follow-up period was 58.5 months. Calcaneal lateral closing wedge osteotomy was performed in seven patients to correct fixed hindfoot varus, and first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy was performed in 11 patients to correct plantarflexion of the first ray. Three patients underwent both procedures. Mean VAS, AOFAS, and KP ankle scores improved significantly (p=0.001), and instability did not recur. Radiographically, all stress parameters improved significantly (p=0.007). Simultaneous correction of a positive peek-a-boo heel sign and cavovarus deformity with MBP for CLAI improves clinical outcomes and prevents recurrent instability. A comprehensive evaluation and cautious approach for subtle cavovarus deformity should be followed when treating patients with CLAI. This trial is registered on Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS, KCT0003287).

Proximal tibiofibular division in lateral closing wedge high tibial osteotomy does not increase varus instability of the knee

PurposeWhen performing lateral closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (LCWHTO), fibular untethering can be performed with either fibular shaft osteotomy (FSO) or proximal tibiofibular division (TFD). The aim of this study was to compare the degree of varus instability between the two methods after LCWHTO and to analyze the determinants of varus instability. MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 108 consecutive patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis who underwent LCWHTO and had >2 years of follow-up. Patients who underwent unilateral LCWHTO without a previous history of ligament injury were included. Forty-five patients who received LCWHTO with TFD and 51 patients who received LCWHTO with FSO were finally analyzed. The mean follow-up duration was 5.3 years in LCWHTO with TFD and 4.1 years in LCWHTO with FSO. The shortest distance between the lateral tibial plateaus and the corresponding most distal subchondral bone surface of the lateral femoral condyle was measured on varus stress radiographs and compared with that on the unaffected contralateral knee. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of varus instability. ResultsLateral joint space width showed no significant between-group difference. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the pre-operative hip-knee-ankle angle was positively correlated with the lateral joint space width. The type of fibular untethering procedure was not associated with postoperative varus instability. ConclusionThe degree of pre-operative varus malalignment is associated with postoperative varus instability after LCWHTO. Proximal tibiofibular division is not a variable for postoperative varus instability after LCWHTO. Level of evidenceLevel III, Retrospective comparative study.

Cubitus varus deformity in young adults, Correction by rigidly fixed lateral closing wedge osteotomy

Neglected or poorly managed elbow trauma in developing countries often present as complex deformities of elbow in adolescents and young adults. Mostly deformities are being corrected for functional and/or cosmetic reasons. Same is the case with neglected post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity in young adults both male and female. Often these deformities are being corrected before the skeletal maturity even in developing countries now a day’s except few underprivileged whose deformities are left unaddressed till skeletal maturity. This is a retrospective study which was conducted on 14 young adults with post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity who underwent corrective surgery in our hospital during last three years. The mean age of patients was 24.4 years and mean time since injury to correction of deformity was 18 years. The male and female ratio was equal. Our mean follow up was 21.42 months. The mean cubitus varus deformity of -15.420 was corrected to a mean of cubitus valgus of 11.710 and our mean valgus angle on normal side was 130. The lateral condyle prominence was reduced from mean of 5.56 to mean of -13.14 percent. Neglected traumatic deformity like cubitus varus must be dealt early to avoid complications. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy with rigid fixation of lateral column of distal humerus for correction of cubitus varus in young skeletally mature adults has promising results in achieving the correction of deformity, timely union and preserving the elbow arc of motion. Keywords: Cubitus varus, Young adults, Lateral closing wedge osteotomy.

The Barrel Vault Tibial Osteotomy of Maquet for Medial Compartment Arthritis of the Knee

The barrel vault tibial osteotomy performed for knee varus osteoarthritis avoids the complications of the opening wedge osteotomy and minimizes the potential complications of the lateral closing wedge osteotomy. It allows correction of large varus deformities in knee medial compartment osteoarthritis.

CUBITUS VARUS DEFORMITY IN ADULTS TREATED WITH LATERAL CLOSING WEDGE OSTEOTOMY AND FIXATION WITH PLATE

Cubitus varus deformity is a common complication of malunited supracondylar fractures of humerus. 5 cases were treated in our institute from Jun. 3 2016 to June 2018. They Cubitus were treated with lateral closing wedge osteotomy and fixation with plating. Mean operating time was 98 minutes. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy and fixation with plate is effective and safe technique in treatment of cubitus varus deformity in young adults. Keywords: Cubitus Varus, Deformity, Adults, Lateral, Closing Wedge, Osteotomy

Neglected intertrochanteric fractures treated with valgus osteotomy

Introduction: Malunited intertrochanteric fractures may occur due to mechanical and biological factors. Malunion of intertrochanteric fractures is common in developing countries as many people rely on indigenous treatment and splint age for fractures. Varus malunion is more commonly seen as compared to valgus malunion. A popular surgical treatment aimed at improving the biomechanics-valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy-optimizes conditions for fracture healing by converting shear forces across the fracture site into compressive forces. The double-angled 120° plate is usually used for internal fixation of the osteotomy. Material and methods: A total of 14 cases operated from May 2016 to December 2019. Outcomes analysed include radiological outcome in terms of improvement in neck-shaft angle and evidence of radiological union at the osteotomy site. Other outcomes analysed include, measurement of limb length discrepancy and functional outcome assessment with Oxford hip score. Results: There were significant improvements in the postoperative neck shaft angle and Oxford hip score. Limb length discrepancy improved to about 0.5 cms. Conclusion: Subtrochanteric lateral closing wedge valgus osteotomy and internal fixation with dynamic hip for maluniting intertrochanteric fracture showed good results.

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.