LATERAL CLOSING OSTEOTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF CUBITUS VARUS IN CHILDREN: ABOUT 32 CASES

Cubitus varus is the most common complication of supracondylar fractures of the elbow in children regardless of therapeutic modalities. The main purpose of surgical correction is to improve the cosmetic appearance and prevent functional impairment such as limitation of the elbow flexion, instability and ulnar nerve palsy. Several techniques has been described. However, the best treatment of cubitus varus deformity remains its prevention by combating traditional treatment, especially in our context.Our report is a retrospective study about 32 cases of post-traumatic cubitus varus correction performed in the surgical pediatric department of mohammed the vith university hospital center of marrakech during a period extending from february 2011 to november 2017. A minimum of 1-year post-trauma was respected and solfelt's criteria were used to assess our results.Our study included 23 males and 9 females. The average age was 9,4 years old. The x-ray of the elbow was performed in all our patients. The average preoperative baumann?s angle was 108,5 ?, and the average carrying angle was 20,6?. All patients underwent a lateral closing osteotomy when the varus was equal or superior to 15?. The main complications recorded in our series were residual varus in two cases, elbow stiffness in three cases and superficial infection in one case. After a mean follow-up of 45,5 months, the results were excellent in 78% of cases, good in 6% of cases, and poor in 16% of cases.The cubitus varus is responsible for functional discomfort and aesthetic damage which can considerably affect the child and his family. Lateral closing osteotomy is an interesting technique since it allows to re-establish the limb axis with a low rate of complications. However, the best treatment of this deformity remains prevention.