Results of Lateral Closing Wedge Osteotomy of Humerus for Post-Traumatic Cubitus Varus in Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.B.B.C. Faculty of Medicine – Zagazig University

2 Orthopaedic, faculty of medicine, Zagazig university, Zagazig, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Cubitus varus deformity is common to occur following supracondylar humeral fractures among children. Patients of cubitus varus complain of cosmetic problems, and functional disability and may be complicated by ulnar nerve palsy or posterolateral rotatory instability. We did this research to assess the outcomes of lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the humerus for post-traumatic cubitus varus in children at Zagazig University hospitals.

Patients and methods: This study was held on (18) cases who presented with cubitus varus, ten were males while the other eight were females, they were managed by lateral closing wedge osteotomy, all the patients were subjected to history, physical examination, and plain X-ray lateral and anteroposterior views of the elbow. Functional outcome was assessed at the end of follow-up after 6 months.

Results: There was a statistical significance between the pre-operative varus angle and post-operative carrying angle (P1 value=0.027) also there was a statistical significance between the pre-operative varus angle and carrying angle of the normal elbow (P3 value=0.031) while there was statistical non-significance between post-operative carrying angle and carrying angle of the normal elbow (P2 value=0.392). The hyperextension in 8 cases with a mean of 8.5 degrees (range 5 to 16 degrees) improved to normal postoperatively. Fifteen patients had excellent outcomes while only three cases had good results with satisfactory outcomes and no complications.

Conclusion: French osteotomy results can be compared to the other more technical methods of osteotomy with good results and fewer complications

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