Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.27(1) > 1114567

Kim, Ko, and Sung: The Supracondylar Osteotomy for the Correction of Angular Deformity of the Distal Humerus

Abstract

The cubitus varus and valgus deformities are the common late complications caused by malunion or nonunion of the supracondylar or lateral condylar fractures of the distal humerus. These angular deformities rarely limit elbow function, and the correction is frequently requested due to cosmetic problem or tardy ulnar nerve palsy in severe cases. The authors performed 21 supracondylar corrective osteotomies from January 1986 to June 1990, of which 16 cases were cubitus varus, and the rest 5 cases were cubitus valgus at Inje University, Paik Hospital. The results were as follows:1. The cubitus varus deformity was more common(16 cases, 76.2%) than valgus deformity. Male cases were more common(13 cases, 61.9%), and main age group was over 16(13 cases, 61.9%). 2. The most common cause of initial injury was supracondylar fracture in varus deformity, and lateral condylar fracture of distal humerus in valgus deformity. There were 3 cases(60%) of delayed ulnar nerve palsy in valgus deformities. 3. In most cases of varus deformities, we treated them by modified French technique and in valgus, by opening wedge displacement osteotomy of Milch. The results rated by Oppenheim's criteria were excellent in 12 cases(57.1%), good in 7 cases(33.3%) and poor in 2 cases(9.6%). 4. Especially, since 1990, we treated 3 cases of cubitus varus deformity by pentalateral osteotomy technique, which overcomed the disadvantages of French method, the problems of lazy-S deformity, postoperative loss of fixation and long term cast immobilization, and all cases were satisfactory.

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