Supracondylar osteotomy of the humerus for correction of cubitus varus

Reports of corrective procedures for cubitus varus (gunstock deformity) have emphasized the frequency of loss of position and significant complication. Modifications that have been made to the standard supracondylar osteotomy protocol include correction of the angular deformity only, without correction of rotation; an incomplete wedge osteotomy leaving the medial cortex intact by hinging the osteotomy shut on the intact cortex; and immobilization of the elbow in full extension with the forearm supinated. In a review of 16 patients following this protocol, 11 patients had excellent results, three had good results, and two had unsatisfactory results.