Publication:

Evaluation of management of malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus by lateral closing wedge osteotomy

Background Various osteotomies have been in use for correction of varus deformity at elbow secondary to malunited supracondylar humerus fracture in children. The objectives of the study were to determine the efficacy & outcome of lateral closing wedge osteotomy in children as a treatment of malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus with cubitus varus and to evaluate various technical problems, morbidity, complications of Lateral closing wedge osteotomy and to suggest ways to overcome them.

Methods This prospective study was conducted among 50 cases of malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus who visited in OPD during 1st September 2008 to 31st August 2010. After pre-operative assessment, lateral closing wedge osteotomy was done and fixed with two 3.5 mm screws, figure of eight tension band stainless steel wire and a supplemental lateral k-wire. Post operatively x-ray of patient was taken and carrying angle and range of movement were calculated. Patients were re-assessed at complete union.

Results Maximum patients were from the age group of 8 to 10 years- 22 cases, mean age 13.08 years, 80% male. Left (non-dominant) side was involved in 30 (60%) cases. Around 18% cases developed complications. 25 (50%) patients had no loss of range of movement and 2 (4%) had 16 to 20 degrees loss of range of movement. Almost 36 (72%) cases had excellent outcome, 11 (22%) cases had good outcome, 3 (6%) cases had poor outcome due to loss of fixation, 47 (94%) patients/parents were satisfied with the final outcome.

Conclusions Lateral closing wedge osteotomy with a lateral K-wire is a sound, cost-effective, technically less demanding modality of treatment for varus deformity due to malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus in children with minimum complications.