Cubitus valgus

Cubitus Valgus
 Angulation of limb at the elbow : away from
midline with the elbow in extension & forearm
supinated
 Deformity of both cubitus varus & valgus :
prominent only on extension of the elbow :
disappears on flexion
 Rarely : complication of supracondylar fracture
of humerus
 Complication of lateral distal humeral
epiphyseal injury & damage : lateral condylar
fracture or non-union in children
Cubitus valgus
 Cubitus valgus
 Any increase in the normal carrying angle :
cubitus valgus deformity
 Normal carrying angle
 males : 8-11 degrees
 females : 11-14 degrees
 Larger in females : accommodate pelvis
 Deformity as such not of much consequence :
leads to tardy ulnar nerve palsy : ulnar nerve is
stretched over the deformity : with repeated
movements leads to neuritis
 Cubitus valgus
Treatment
 If the deformity is not involving the growth plate
: deformity is unlikely to increase / progress :
early corrective osteotomy can be done
 If the deformity is progressive
 non- symtomatic : surgery can be done later
: closer to skeletal maturity as deformity is
likely to recur after surgery
 symptomatic : surgery may have to done
with possibility of need for further surgery
later
 Cubitus valgus
Tardy ulnar nerve palsy
 Delayed involvement of the nerve
 Constant stretch of nerve over deformity
 Leads to neuritis
 Produces clinical features of
 paraesthesia over the ulnar distribution of
the hand and forearm
 later motor deficit : ulnar claw hand
 Cubitus valgus
Tardy ulnar nerve palsy
Treatment
 Correction of deformity
 Anterior transposition of ulnar nerve

Immobilisation for 3-6 weeks : depends on

procedure done : followed by mobilisation