PURPOSE: To compare treatment outcomes after closing wedge osteotomy and plate fixation for cubitus varus deformity undertaken with or without medialisation of the distal fragment. METHODS: Records of 21 men and 16 women aged 20 to 34 years who underwent closing wedge osteotomy and plate fixation for cubitus varus deformity with (n=21) or without (n=16) medialisation of the distal fragment were reviewed. A daily alternate flexion-extension splinting was applied for one week for early restoration of full range of motion. The carrying angle and range of motion of the elbow were measured. RESULTS: All patients regained the normal carrying angle and range of motion; none had loss of fixation or limitation in range of motion exceeding 10 degrees. Outcomes were excellent in 23 patients and good in 9. A small bony prominence over the lateral condylar region ('lazy S' deformity) was noted in group-1 but not group-2 patients. CONCLUSION: Closing wedge supracondylar osteotomy with medialisation of the distal fragment was an effective treatment for cubitus varus deformity and minimised the risk of 'lazy S' deformity.
PURPOSE: To compare treatment outcomes after closing wedge osteotomy and plate fixation for cubitus varus deformity undertaken with or without medialisation of the distal fragment. METHODS: Records of 21 men and 16 women aged 20 to 34 years who underwent closing wedge osteotomy and plate fixation for cubitus varus deformity with (n=21) or without (n=16) medialisation of the distal fragment were reviewed. A daily alternate flexion-extension splinting was applied for one week for early restoration of full range of motion. The carrying angle and range of motion of the elbow were measured. RESULTS: All patients regained the normal carrying angle and range of motion; none had loss of fixation or limitation in range of motion exceeding 10 degrees. Outcomes were excellent in 23 patients and good in 9. A small bony prominence over the lateral condylar region ('lazy S' deformity) was noted in group-1 but not group-2 patients. CONCLUSION: Closing wedge supracondylar osteotomy with medialisation of the distal fragment was an effective treatment for cubitus varus deformity and minimised the risk of 'lazy S' deformity.