Uniplanar supracondylar humeral osteotomy with preset Kirschner wires for posttraumatic cubitus varus

Between 1974 and 1989, a lateral closing wedge osteotomy was used to correct posttraumatic cubitus varus in 36 patients. In 35 (97%) of the patients, the deformity was corrected to within 5 degrees of the contralateral elbow, and the patient was satisfied with the result. There were no nerve palsies or infections. Of the nine patients treated before age six years, seven had a minimum 2-year follow-up (average 9 years), and there was no evidence of recurrent deformity. This technique allows good correction of deformity with minimal complications.