Cubitus varus deformity following supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

A retrospective study of 63 patients with cubitus varus deformity following supracondylar fracture of the humerus was carried out in order to identify the causes of cubitus varus, to define the best method for prevention, and to evaluate the indications for and results of treatment of the established deformity. There was no evidence of growth disturbance in any of our patients after a mean follow-up of 5 years postfracture. Cubitus varus was found to be secondary to medial tilting of the distal fragment. Failure to recognize this initial or subsequent medial tilt during early treatment of the fracture was the major factor in the development of cubitus varus deformity, thus explaining the average delay in diagnosis of 6 to 10 weeks postfracture. Since all patients regained essentially normal use of the upper extremity after the fracture, cosmesis was the primary indication for corrective surgery. Fifteen supracondylar osteotomies are reported with 33% unsatisfactory results. Prevention of this deformity by careful clinical and radiological evaluation during initial treatment of the supracondylar fracture is emphasized.