[Humerus varus (author's transl)]

Humerus varus is a rare disease and has led to many controversies concerning its classification, its physiopathology, its treatment and even the measurement of the varus angle of the huméral head. This study is based on four personal cases and a review of the literature since 1900 about fifty cases. The relation between humerus varus, congenital aplasia of the glenoïdal articular surface of the scapula, and congenital dislocation of the shoulder, sometimes referred as shoulder dysplasia, is discussed. Two entities must be distinguished: The "true" humerus varus where the epiphyseal plate is in a varus position with a shortened arm. The deformities of the humeral head in varus without main alteration of the epiphyseal plate orientation. When there is a restricted function, especially in abduction, a valgization osteotomy of the proximal part of the humerus can be proposed (one case). The authors have no experience in lengthening of the humerus.