French Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus in Children: A Long-term Study Over 27 Years

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Pediatric trauma

Background:

• Cubitus varus is a common cosmetic issue following pediatric supracondylar elbow fractures.
• The lateral closing wedge (French) osteotomy has been used for 27 years to correct this deformity.
• More complex procedures exist but may involve higher risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the lateral closing wedge (French) osteotomy for correcting cubitus varus in children.
• To compare the French osteotomy's results with other surgical techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 90 pediatric patients (ages 3-14) who underwent French osteotomy between 1986 and 2012.
• Assessment of preoperative varus angle using the humero-elbow-wrist angle.
• Clinical evaluation of postoperative carrying angle and range of motion; measurement of lateral condylar prominence index (LCPI) at union.

Main Results:

• 93.3% of patients achieved good or excellent outcomes.
• No neurovascular complications were reported.
• The mean LCPI was +0.14, indicating minimal lateral condyle prominence.

Conclusions:

• The French osteotomy provides results comparable to more complex osteotomies for cubitus varus correction.
• It offers a lower complication rate than alternative surgical methods.
• Associated deformities like hyperextension and internal rotation are adequately managed or well-tolerated.