American Research Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology

Background: posttraumatic cubitus varus is a common complication after elbow fractures. There are different types of osteotomy and fixation methods used in correction of cubitus varus. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Patients and method: Ten cases of cubitus varus in young adult treated with lateral closing wedge osteotomy and fixation with posterior Y plate. Preoperative X-ray was taken for each patient with both elbows in full extension and forearm in full supination. Carrying angle at the affected and normal side are measured and angle to be corrected and the base of lateral closing wedge osteotomy was calculated preoperatively.
Results: No patient had functional problem resulting from the deformity as ulnar nerve palsy or posterolateral instability. Mean operative time was 96.5 min.Preoperative carrying angle was23.9deg decreased to 4.6deg valgus postoperatively. Lateral condylar prominence was 6.07% and decreased to -8.89% postoperatively. Time of complete healing of osteotomy site was a range from 10week to 14week with a mean of 12.2 week. Mean follow up period was 12.8month with a range from12months to14months. Full range of motion returned in 8 cases after 12week.
Conclusion: Lateral closing wedge osteotomy and fixation with posterior Y plate is effective and safe technique in treatment of cubitus varus deformity in young adult.Adequate correction of the deformity can be achieved with preservation of the patient preoperative range of motion together with good patient satisfaction and minimal complication rate.