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.