Dome osteotomy for posttraumatic cubitus varus: a surgical technique to avoid lateral condylar prominence

The indication for surgery in most children with posttraumatic cubitus varus is the presence of an unsightly deformity. The function of the limb is generally not impaired. Lateral closing-wedge supracondylar osteotomy, although a widely used corrective procedure, tends to produce lateral condylar prominence, thus jeopardizing the cosmetic outcome. The authors used the dome supracondylar osteotomy, as described by Tien et al, as the corrective procedure for cubitus varus in 12 consecutive children. The average follow-up was 2.3 (range 1-4) years. The objective evaluation was done by one of the authors by measuring the pre- and postoperative lateral condylar prominence index, carrying angle, and the range of movement at the elbow. The patients and parents were also asked to self-assess the cosmetic outcome. There were seven excellent and five good results. None of the children showed a prominent lateral humeral condyle. Hypertrophic scar formation and ulnar neurapraxia were seen in one patient each. These results were comparable to the published results of lateral closing-wedge osteotomy in terms of correction of carrying angle and preservation of elbow motion and were superior to those of the lateral closing-wedge osteotomy in terms of the prominence of lateral humeral condyle, acceptability of the scar, and cosmesis. The authors offer independent verification of the observation that the technique of dome osteotomy as described by Tien et al for the correction of the posttraumatic cubitus varus is a simple, safe, and technically sound procedure that prevents the lateral condyle from becoming prominent and yields an excellent cosmetic outcome.     

Baumann角的放射学测量及其临床意义

测定了48例2～13岁正常小儿及71例肱骨髁上骨折小儿的Baumann角.结果提示Baumann角与提携角之间存在非常显著的相关性(P<0.01),骨折复位后Baumann角可用来准确地预测提携角,并有效地防止肘内翻畸形的发生.     

The equal limbs lateral closing wedge osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus in children

Many methods have been described for correction of cubitus varus; the lateral closing-wedge osteotomy of French is the most popular. Although many authors reported successful correction, some authors since then have been critical of that osteotomy, alluding to problems with a lateral bulge or the scar. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a technique of correction of posttraumatic cubitus varus in children with an equal limbs laterally closing-wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus. From 2003 to 2006, twelve patients underwent supracondylar osteotomies for correction of cubitus varus in the Mansoura University Hospital. The average age was 8.7 years. The average follow-up was 20 months. The average preoperative carrying angle was 25 degrees varus, and this was corrected to an average of 5 degrees valgus. There was no noticeable prominence of the lateral condyle or an unsightly scar. This study shows that the equal limbs laterally closing-wedge osteotomy is simple, safe, and associated with an excellent cosmetic outcome and a low complication rate.     

Supracondylar humeral osteotomy in children with severe posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity

The authors report the results of corrective osteotomy of the humerus in 11 children with severe posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity. The average carrying angle on the affected side was -24.4 degrees, and there was an average internal rotation deformity of the distal humerus of 22 degrees. Flexion and extension of the injured elbow were severely limited. A supracondylar lateral wedge osteotomy of the humerus was performed keeping the medial cortex intact. Two K-wires served as levers to correct the angular and rotational deformity of the elbow and then as fixation material to hold the osteotomy fragments. Postoperatively we immobilized the elbows in 90 degrees flexion for 3 to 4 weeks. There was no loss of the postoperative osteotomy alignment in most cases. Recurrence of mild varus deformity (-5 degrees and -7 degrees) occurred in only two patients. At the end of the follow-up we observed excellent results in 9 patients with an average carrying angle of 7.2 degrees (range 5-10 degrees).     

A new three-dimensional osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity after supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children

In the past, supracondylar osteotomy for the correction of cubitus varus deformity has been associated with a high failure rate and significant complications, even in simple lateral closing wedge osteotomy. This is because the supracondylar area is thin and fixation is difficult to maintain. In cubitus varus deformity, not only medial, but posterior, tilt and internal rotation of the distal fragment also frequently occurs. To correct all these deformities and to achieve a wide bony contact and more rigid fixation than simple lateral closing wedge osteotomy, we propose a new three-dimensional osteotomy. Among 12 patients who received this osteotomy, 11 had an excellent result and one had a good result.     

Corrective French's osteotomy in treatment of cubitus varus]

Cubitus varus is the most common late complication of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children. The normal carrying angle can be restored by supracondylar osteotomy. This operation using the technique described by French. was done in 10 patients. During follow up examination motion of the cubitus was assessed and compared with an uninjured side. The x-ray examination included evaluation of the carrying angle. Favourite results were confirmed by restoration of carrying angle with minor loss of mobility of the elbow joint with no recurrence of the varus deformity during follow up.     

Cubitus varus: problem and solution

A lateral closing wedge osteotomy was performed in 39 children with cubitus varus deformity resulting from a supracondylar fracture. All had a deformity of 15° or more, with 5 having more than 30° of varus. The osteotomy was fixed by three different methods. In 8 cases the osteotomy was fixed with 2 parallel Kirschner wies (group K). A modified French technique (group TBW) was used in 25 cases and held with a figure-of-8 wire loop tightened over the screw heads. In the last 6 cases the osteotomy was fixed with an external fixator (group EF). The only poor result (i.e. loss of carrying angle of more than 10° and loss of flexion and extension of 20° or more) was in group K due to pin tract infection and loosening of the K-wires. In the TBW group 5 patients lost some degree of correction, and none became infected. In the EF group no patient suffered pin tract infection or loss of correction. Based on our experience and results, we feel that the best age at which to correct cubitus varus deformity was 6–11 years and that the external fixator is a safe, effective and reliable method to fix the osteotomy. We propose this method of fixation as a good alternative method to the modified French technique, especially in cases of severe cubitus varus deformity, where removal of a large wedge can produce a big step at the osteotomy site, increasing the possibility of disengagement of the stainless steel wire from the screw head. In addition, minor postoperative modifications of correction, if required, can also be performed. It also avoids a second operation for implant removal. Received: 5 August 1999     

肱骨髁上楔形截骨联合改良张力带钢丝治疗肘内翻

目的探讨应用肱骨髁上楔形截骨矫形联合改良张力带钢丝内固定治疗肘内翻畸形的可行性与临床疗效。 方法选取自贡市第一人民医院2015年1月至2019年1月共37例肘内翻畸形患者,男21例,女16例;平均年龄(12.9±2.1)岁;有10例合并内旋畸形。采用肱骨髁上楔形截骨联合改良张力带钢丝进行治疗。采用配对设计资料t检验比较患侧肘关节术前及术后的内翻角、屈曲活动及伸直活动度;采用成组设计资料t检验比较患侧及健侧肘关节的提携角、屈曲活动及伸直活动度。 结果所有患者均得到随访,平均(2.0±0.8)年;截骨均全部愈合,完全愈合时间平均(74±10)d。术后患侧肘关节内翻畸形均明显矫正(t＝19.749,P<0.05);患侧肘关节屈曲活动、伸直活动度与术前比较改善(t＝3.279、-10.573,均为P<0.05);术后患侧肘关节提携角、屈曲活动及伸直活动度与健侧比较无差异(均为P>0.05)。所有患者术后切口均一期愈合,无感染、神经损伤发生,无内固定松动、脱落及断裂等并发症发生。 结论肱骨髁上楔形截骨矫形联合改良张力带钢丝内固定治疗肘内翻畸形,具有术中操作简便,内翻畸形矫正明显,内固定强度可靠,可早期功能锻炼,术后肘关节功能恢复好等优点。     

Varus deformity in supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

Eighty cases of supracondylar fracture of the humerus at the elbow in children have been analysed. The post-reduction radiograph of the fracture was classified depending on the residual deformity present and related to the loss of carrying angle and cubitus varus deformity at the time of follow-up. Fifty-four per cent of the displaced fractures showed a loss of carrying angle greater than 5 °, and of these, 23 per cent developed cubitus varus deformity. Eighty-five per cent of those cases with a loss of carrying angle greater than 10 ° showed either residual tilt or medial rotation on the post-reduction radiograph. All cases in which there was residual medial tilt after manipulation and 40 per cent of those with medial rotation on the post-reduction radiograph developed cubitus varus.

In our series, there was no evidence of epiphyseal injury causing the deformity and in none of the cases was the deformity progressive. It is suggested that, in order to reduce the incidence of varus deformity in supracondylar fractures, open reduction and internal fixation is indicated in those fractures in which tilt or medial rotation cannot be reduced by conservative means.     

Medial approach for corrective osteotomy of cubitus varus: a cosmetic incision

Osteotomies described previously to correct cubitus varus had been associated with unsatisfactory results such as a prominent lateral scar and condyle and injury to the triceps. The authors evaluated the results of a medial approach for the corrective osteotomy of 14 consecutive children (mean age 8.4 years) with cubitus varus. The incision was made medially and the ulnar nerve was identified and protected. An image intensifier was used to identify the wedge. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy was performed and secured with cross K-wires, and the distal fragment was translated medially to reduce the lateral prominence. Both hyperextension and internal rotation deformity could be corrected with the osteotomy. The mean carrying angle and hyperextension of the elbow of 19.3 degrees varus and 22.2 degrees were corrected to 2.4 degrees valgus and 8.8 degrees respectively. Radiographically, the Baumann's angle and the flexion angle were improved from 90.1 degrees to 77.3 degrees and 24.2 degrees to 37.2 degrees respectively. No patient had a prominent lateral condyle, and the operative scars were well concealed along the medial aspect of the elbow. There was one case of transient ulnar nerve paresis with residual varus.     

Dome corrective osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity

Between 1994 and 1998, 15 patients had corrective dome-shaped osteotomy of the humerus for posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity. Thirteen patients had surgery before puberty and two patients had surgery after puberty. In the prepuberty group, all the osteotomies were done by a posterior approach with triceps muscle splitting, and cross pins were used to fix the osteotomy. In the postpuberty group, the osteotomies were done by a posterior approach with olecranon osteotomy, and reconstructive plates were used for fixation. The average followup was 2 years and 4 months. Preoperative carrying angle ranged from 19 degrees to 31 degrees varus (average, 26.2 degrees) and postoperative carrying angle ranged from 7 degrees to 15 degrees valgus (average, 10.7 degrees). No loss of correction was observed and all osteotomies united. The preoperative and postoperative differences of the lateral condylar prominence index ranged from -67% to +6% (average, -30.1%). After reviewing these cases, a dome-shaped osteotomy was found to have the following advantages for correction of cubitus varus deformity: the osteotomy site is more stable than a lateral closing wedge osteotomy for maintaining the correction obtained; the domed osteotomy avoids having the lateral condyle becoming prominent; and the posterior scar is more cosmetically acceptable than the lateral scar in the lateral closing wedge osteotomy.     

成人创伤后肘内翻畸形的矫形及双柱固定

目的探讨肱骨髁上截骨双钢板固定治疗成人创伤后肘内翻的方法及疗效。方法回顾性分析2007年6月-2010年12月手术治疗22例成人创伤后肘内翻畸形患者的临床资料。其中男16例,女6例;年龄18～29岁,平均21岁。既往均有肱骨髁上骨折病史;初次骨折后3个月～1年,平均6个月出现肘内翻畸形;出现畸形后4～17年,平均8年入院手术。术前患侧肘关节提携角为肘内翻16～25°,平均20.6°。肘关节功能采用Flynn评分均为差。术中行肱骨外侧闭合楔形截骨,以2块重建钢板塑形后分别置于肱骨内外侧柱以固定截骨断端。术后无需外固定,早期行功能锻炼。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。22例均获随访,随访时间6～24个月,平均13个月。末次随访时患侧肘关节提携角为肘外翻0～10°,平均7.5°。患者截骨处均骨性愈合,愈合时间8～13周,平均10周。术后无感染,神经、血管损伤,内固定物松动、断裂等并发症发生,无肘内翻复发。末次随访时Flynn评分优17例,良3例,中2例,优良率91%。结论采用肱骨髁上截骨加双钢板固定治疗成人创伤后肘内翻畸形,固定坚强,骨折愈合率高,术后能早期功能锻炼,肘关节功能恢复满意。     

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. A modified technique for closed pinning

Complications in the treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus (DSFH), particularly cubitus varus, are a persistent problem. A prospective study was conducted on 20 children with DSFH, using a modified technique to reduce and pin the fracture. All fractures were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. After the fracture was internally fixed, intraoperative anteroposterior roentgenograms of each distal humerus were compared, using Baumann's angle. The reduction was accepted if Baumann's angle on the fractured extremity was within 4 degrees of that on the normal side. If the angles were not within 4 degrees, the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was repeated. In this prospective series, all patients had a reduction to within 4 degrees of the normal side before they left the operating room. Three weeks after percutaneous pinning, the pins were removed and range of motion was begun. All patients returned for clinical and roentgenographic examination. With an average follow-up period of 17.2 months, all patients had excellent or good results. No patient developed cubitus varus deformity. Strict adherence to the guidelines of the protocol prevented cubitus varus deformity in this series of children with DSFH.     

肱骨髁上成角旋转中心微创截骨外固定治疗青少年肘内翻畸形

目的 :探讨采用肱骨髁上成角旋转中心(center of roration of angulation,CORA)微创截骨外固定治疗青少年肘内翻畸形的临床疗效。方法:自2013年8月至2017年8月,采用CORA微创截骨外固定治疗肱骨髁上骨折导致的青少年肘内翻畸形患者15例,其中男9例,女6例;年龄13～16岁,平均14.5岁;左侧11例,右侧4例;受伤至手术时间6～10年,平均7.5年,其中5例有肘内翻手术史术后复发。观察患者的矫正时间、骨折愈合时间及提携角,并采用Laupattarakasem标准进行疗效评价。结果:15例患者获得随访,时间12～30个月,平均24个月;畸形矫正时间3～5周,平均4周;骨愈合时间4～6个月,平均5个月;提携角由术前的-12°～-23°提高至术后的9°～14°。根据Laupattarakasem标准,本组优11例,良3例,可1例。结论:采用肱骨髁上CORA微创截骨外固定治疗青少年肘内翻畸形,具有微创、出血少、术后早期功能锻炼,矫形速度、角度可控,无须住院取除外固定等优点。     

Supracondylar osteotomy of the humerus for correction of cubitus varus

Reports of corrective procedures for cubitus varus (gunstock deformity) have emphasized the frequency of loss of position and significant complication. Modifications that have been made to the standard supracondylar osteotomy protocol include correction of the angular deformity only, without correction of rotation; an incomplete wedge osteotomy leaving the medial cortex intact by hinging the osteotomy shut on the intact cortex; and immobilization of the elbow in full extension with the forearm supinated. In a review of 16 patients following this protocol, 11 patients had excellent results, three had good results, and two had unsatisfactory results.     

Humeral torsional deformity after supracondylar osteotomy for cubitus varus: its influence on the postosteotomy carrying angle.

Humeral torsion was measured in 23 patients by computed tomography (CT) scan after supracondylar osteotomy for cubitus varus. The opposite unoperated humerus was used as the control. The mean torsion in the unoperated humerus was 70 degrees. Patients who did not have "derotation" of the distal fragment during osteotomy had approximately 30 degrees more internal torsion on the operated side than on the opposite side. The carrying angle after osteotomy was not influenced by lack of correction of torsional deformity in the humerus, and correction of torsion during osteotomy was not essential for correction of the carrying angle.     

Tardy posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow due to cubitus varus

BACKGROUND: Cubitus varus has long been considered merely a cosmetic deformity. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a causal relationship between cubitus varus and instability of the elbow. METHODS: In twenty-four patients (twenty-five limbs) with a cubitus varus deformity following a pediatric distal humeral fracture or resulting from a congenital anomaly (three limbs of two patients), tardy posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow developed approximately two to three decades after the deformity occurred. All patients presented with lateral elbow pain and recurrent instability. The average varus deformity was 15 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 35 degrees ). Surgery was performed in twenty-one patients (twenty-two limbs). Treatment consisted of reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament and osteotomy in seven limbs, ligament reconstruction alone in ten, osteotomy alone in four, and total elbow arthroplasty in one. RESULTS: In three patients, the triceps muscle was dynamically stimulated intraoperatively to contract while resisting extension of the elbow. This produced posterolateral rotatory subluxation of the elbow, which was reversed by corrective osteotomy and lateral transposition of a portion of the medial head of the triceps that originally had been attached to the elongated, deformed medial aspect of the olecranon. At an average of three years (minimum, one year) after the operation, the result was good or excellent for nineteen of the twenty-two limbs that had undergone an operation; three limbs had persistent instability. CONCLUSIONS: With cubitus varus, the mechanical axis, the olecranon, and the triceps line of pull are all displaced medially. The repetitive external rotation torque on the ulna permitted by these deformities can stretch the lateral collateral ligament complex and lead to posterolateral rotatory instability. Thus, cubitus varus deformity secondary to supracondylar malunion or congenital deformity of the distal part of the humerus may not always be a benign condition and may have important long-term clinical implications. Operative correction can relieve symptoms of instability. The indications for preventive corrective osteotomy remain to be determined.     

Post-traumatic cubitus varus in children (apropos of 8 cases in African children)]

The author describes his experience after treatment of 8 cases of cubitus varus secondary to displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in African children. Measurement of the Baumann angle is necessary for the assessment of cubitus varus. The median angle is 24 degrees with a range of 10 degrees to 45 degrees. Indications were dictated by functional problems, discomfort, and esthetic considerations. The surgical treatment consisted in a supracondylar osteotomy of the humerus for correction of cubitus varus.     

Osteotomy for cubitus varus:A simple technique in 10 children

10 children with cubitus varus deformity after supracondylar fractures were operated on with a supracondylar lateral closing wedge osteotomy. The medial cortical periosteal hinge was left intact and the osteotomy stabilized with two Kirschner wires and a tension-band wire loop. The osteotomies healed within 2 months, without any complications or recurrence of the deformity. The outcome was satisfactory as regards both cosmesis and mobility.     

Double dome osteotomy for the treatment of cubitus varus in children

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report double dome osteotomy used to correct paediatric cubitus varus and to avoid lateral prominence after correction.

Methods

Eighteen children with cubitus varus underwent double dome osteotomy. Preoperative templating created from radiographs was used to determine the bone cuts. Double dome osteotomy created a proximal and distal cut, then varus deformity and sagittal alignment were corrected. The osteotomies were fixed with K-wires and immobilised in a long-arm cast. Radiographics and clinical histories were evaluated. Ulno-humeral angle pre and postoperative, range of motion and lateral prominent index were evaluated.

Results

The osteotomy was performed in 18 patients, with an average age of 7.5 years. All patients ended up with flexion of 130° or greater with full and symmetrical pronation and supination. The average ulno-humeral angle difference compared to the uninjured side was 3.27°. The mean of the lateral prominent index was −0.91. The mean follow up was 50.3 months (30–115 months). All of the patients had excellent clinical and radiographic alignment. No revisions were made in this series. One transient radial nerve palsy and one superficial infection occurred.

Conclusion

This series demonstrates that double dome osteotomy can provide reliable correction of varus deformity and prevent lateral prominence with a minimal complication rate.