Post-traumatic cubitus varus: long-term follow-up of corrective osteotomy using the Ilizarov method of compression distraction osteogenesis

The objectives were to study the impact of this method on the ROM, the Humerus Elbow Wrist (HEW) angle as well as the Lateral Prominence Index. A total of 32 patients who presented with a cubitus varus deformity of ≥10° at the elbow were retrospectively analyzed using data retrieved from a computerized hospital database. All patients had undergone a mini-incision subperiosteal osteotomy followed by application of an Ilizarov frame. Cinico-radiological follow-up was carried out at regular intervals until union was achieved and yearly thereafter. The mean time to union was 11 weeks. The mean follow-up period ranged from 2 to 12 years (mean 4.0 years). Results were graded as excellent in 25 cases (78.1%), good in 2 (6.3%) and poor in 5 case (15.6%) using the grading system of Oppenheim. The mean HEW angle at final follow-up improved from 20° of varus to 6° of valgus. The mean flexion/extension improved from 121°/−3° preoperatively to 125°/−4° at final follow-up. The Mayo Elbow Performance scores at final follow-up were excellent in 23 cases, good in 7 and fair in 2. Complications encountered included superficial pintract infections in three cases, lateral condylar prominence in one case, loss of terminal flexion in three cases and valgus over-correction in one case.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Upper Limb Source Type: research