Comparison of internal fixation vs. external fixation after corrective osteotomy in children with cubitus varus

Cubitus varus deformity is a well-known late complication of supracondylar fractures in children. In this retrospective study, the primary objective was to compare clinical and radiologic outcomes of lateral closing-wedge osteotomy with either internal fixation or external fixation in pediatric patients with cubitus varus deformities.

From 2010 to 2017, 35 consecutive patients with cubitus varus deformities secondary to supracondylar fractures were included in this study. After corrective osteotomy was performed via a limited lateral approach, the method of definitive fixation was chosen between internal and external. Retrospectively, patients who underwent external fixation on the lateral aspect of the elbow were defined as group I (n = 16) whereas patients with unilateral single-plate fixation were defined as group II (n = 19). The functional outcome was evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Flynn criteria.

No significant difference in age was found between the 2 groups (P = .15). Significantly lower costs, a shorter operation duration, smaller scars, and a shorter time for plaster cast use postoperatively were found in group I (P < .001). No nonunion or failure of fixation was found. No significant difference was noted in postoperative elbow range of motion or Mayo Elbow Performance Score (P = .64). Both groups achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.

In pediatric patients with cubitus varus, both methods of fixation after lateral closing-wedge corrective osteotomy are reliable, with a low rate of complications and satisfactory functional results. External fixation is more advantageous in terms of easier preoperative planning, shorter operative times, lower costs, and easier postoperative fixation removal.