What Causes Cubitus Varus?
Cubitus varus can develop when a fracture around the growing elbow heals in an abnormal position.
Common causes include:
Malunion following a supracondylar humerus fracture
Previous elbow trauma
Abnormal healing of a fracture around the distal humerus
Less commonly, congenital or developmental deformity
How Does Cubitus Varus Appear?
The deformity is usually most noticeable when the child's arm is fully extended.
Parents may notice that:
The forearm appears angled toward the body
The elbow has an abnormal appearance
The two arms look different when compared
There may be an associated rotational or extension deformity
Although the deformity may primarily appear cosmetic, some children may have functional concerns or associated elbow problems.
Assessment
Assessment includes a clinical examination of the elbow and the overall alignment of the upper limb.
X-rays are important to assess:
The deformity should be carefully analyzed before planning corrective surgery.
Treatment of Cubitus Varus
Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity, the child's age, symptoms, functional requirements and the underlying bony abnormality.
Mild deformities without functional problems may sometimes be observed.
When the deformity is significant or correction is indicated, corrective osteotomy of the distal humerus may be considered.
Surgical Correction
Corrective osteotomy is planned according to the individual deformity.
The objective is to restore appropriate alignment of the elbow and improve the appearance and function of the limb.
The exact surgical technique depends on the deformity and may involve correction in more than one plane.
