Three-dimensional corrective osteotomy for cubitus varus in adults.

In 23 adult patients, cubitus varus deformity was corrected by 3-dimensional osteotomy. During surgery, not only varus but internal rotation, flexion-extension deformity of the elbow, and lateral protrusion of the distal fragment were simultaneously addressed. The mean age of the patients was 26 years. Three showed tardy ulnar nerve palsy. The follow-up period after osteotomy averaged 1 year 10 months. The humeral-elbow-wrist angle improved from a mean 26 degrees of varus preoperatively to a mean of 3 degrees of valgus postoperatively. The mean internal rotation angle improved from 25 degrees to 5 degrees. As there was no recurrence of the deformity, this method of 3-dimensional corrective osteotomy for the treatment of cubitus varus in skeletally mature adults is recommended.