Reverse V osteotomy of the distal humerus for the correction of cubitus varus.

We reviewed 22 children with cubitus varus who had been treated by a reverse V osteotomy and fixation by cross-pinning and wiring. The mean pre-operative humeral-elbow-wrist angle was -16.9 degrees (-25 degrees to +9 degrees ) and at the latest follow-up it was +7.3 degrees (-2 degrees to +14 degrees ). No child had a lateral prominence greater than 5 mm after correction. An excellent result was achieved in 20 children and a good result in two. We believe that this osteotomy has the advantages of better inherent stability, the avoidance of a prominent lateral condyle after correction and firm fixation allowing early movement.