[Valgus osteotomy of the subcapital humerus: a reconstructive procedure after post-traumatic malalignement]

Post-traumatic humerus varus can develop after an insufficient reduction technique. Reduced abduction, anteversion or rotation is seen, often associated with painful impingement. The radiographic sign is a diminished shaft-head angle less than 140 degrees with a consecutive elevation of the greater tubercule above the head rim and a subacromial narrowing. We analysed the data of the Constant score pre- and postcorrectionem.

Between 1992 and 1999 we treated 8 patients with post-traumatic humerus varus. The follow-up time lasted for 3 years after the correction procedure. By means of the Constant score we evaluated the pre- and postoperative results. In addition, we measured the radiological changes of the humerus head-shaft angles. Furthermore, we controlled the arm length before and after the corrective osteotomy.

The age at the time of correction averaged 43 years (23 years to 65 years). In 6 patients a closing wedge was performed on the right shoulder and two times on the left side. 2 patients had an additional retrotorsional malalignment, which was corrected by means of derotation. In 5 cases cancellous bone was attached to the osteotomy plane. The average delay between the first and the second operation was 8 months (range from 4 weeks to 12 months). The Constant score improved from 39.5 to 75.5 points. The radiological head-shaft angle increased from 84 degrees to 130 degrees . The arm shortening decreased from 2 cm to less than 1 cm. Osseous consolidation of the osteotomy was established after 8.5 weeks. In one case we saw a pseudarthrotic osteotomy plane and treated it by plate extension and cancellous bone grafting.

The valgus osteotomy of the humeral neck is an extra-articular reconstructive procedure to correct a malpositioning between humeral head and shaft. It improves both radiological and clinical results. It is a demanding procedure regarding indication and operative technique.