Three-dimensional corrective osteotomy for cubitus varus in adults

In 23 adult patients, cubitus varus deformity was corrected by 3-dimensional osteotomy. During surgery not only varus but internal rotation, flexion-extension deformity of the elbow, and lateral protrusion of the distal fragment were simultaneously addressed. The mean age of the patients was 26 years. Three showed tardy ulnar nerve palsy. The follow-up period after osteotomy averaged I year 10 months. The humeral-elbow-wrist angle improved from a mean 26degrees of varus preoperatively to a mean of 30 of valgus postoperatively. The mean internal rotation angle improved from 25degrees to 5degrees. As there was no recurrence of the deformity, this method of 3-dimensional corrective osteotomy for the treatment of cubitus varus in skeletally mature adults is recommended.