We tried to find the cause of cubitus varus after treatment of fracture separation of the distal humeral epiphysis.

We reviewed 13 cases of fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis. Five cases were treated by open reduction and K-wire fixation, 8 cases were treated by closed reduction and K-wire fixation. Six cases of cubitus varus were evaluated.

With the average 27 months(14-96months) of follow-up, six of 13 cases showed cubitus varus postoperatively and mean carrying angle was -6.7 degrees(range -3~-15 degrees). None of these cases showed the progression of deformity after then. Among the six cases, five cases were treated with closed reduction, and one case with open reduction. Average age of the cubitus varus cases was 31 months (14-60 months). Among the six cases, four cases were Salter-Hams type I and two cases were type II.

Incomplete reduction seems to be the cause of cubitus varus in fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis, so the anatomical reduction is important to prevent the cubitus varus.