Cubitus varus

Cubitus Varus
 Deformity around the elbow
 Common complication
 Supracondylar fracture of the humerus
 Medial epiphyseal injury : distal humerus
 Often referred to as a “gun-stock” deformity
 With the forearm in supination and the elbow
in extension the deformity is that of angulation
of the limb distal to the fracture towards the
midline
 Cubitus Varus
Normal carrying angle is 8-
110 in males & 11-140 in
females. Any decrease in
this is a varus deformity

Deformity becomes obvious when

arm is elevated & elbow extended

Three dimensional deformity

 Cubitus varus
Clinical features
 Varus tilt : cosmetic disability
 Rotation : arc of external rotation of forearm on
ERN of shoulder limited
 Posterior tilt : limitation of flexion of the elbow
 Limitations of movements depends on severity
and direction of the deformity
 Cubitus varus: Radiology

crescent sign

Baummann’s angle
 Cubitus varus
Treatment
 The functional disability is usually not much
unless deformity is severe
 Cosmetic disability
Surgical intervention
 When functional disability is present
 Cosmetic reasons
Timing of surgery
 Depends on cause of deformity
 Cubitus varus
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 increase / recur after surgery
 symptomatic : surgery may have to done
with possibility of need for further surgery
later
Cubitus varus deformity