OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the results of a transverse osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in adults stabilized by two different methods of fixation with either Kirschner wire (K-wire) or Y plate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen soldiers were treated by a lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus for cubitus varus deformity in the military infirmary. Two different methods of fixation were used for the osteotomy. The osteotomies were stabilized with K-wires in the initial five cases. Because of loosening of the pins and loss of correction in these five cases, Y plates were introduced for fixation in the other patients. RESULTS: Three patients in the K-wire group, and one case in the Y plate fixation group had poor results. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy is technically easy and allows three dimensional correction. Accompanying displaced ulnar nerves and snapping triceps tendons were spontaneously corrected by the osteotomy. CONCLUSION: Y plates provide rigid fixation that permits early active motion and prevents possible complications related to implant failure or loss of fixation.
OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the results of a transverse osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in adults stabilized by two different methods of fixation with either Kirschner wire (K-wire) or Y plate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen soldiers were treated by a lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus for cubitus varus deformity in the military infirmary. Two different methods of fixation were used for the osteotomy. The osteotomies were stabilized with K-wires in the initial five cases. Because of loosening of the pins and loss of correction in these five cases, Y plates were introduced for fixation in the other patients. RESULTS: Three patients in the K-wire group, and one case in the Y plate fixation group had poor results. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy is technically easy and allows three dimensional correction. Accompanying displaced ulnar nerves and snapping triceps tendons were spontaneously corrected by the osteotomy. CONCLUSION: Y plates provide rigid fixation that permits early active motion and prevents possible complications related to implant failure or loss of fixation.