Abstract
Purpose of the study
To evaluate the outcome of the Modified French osteotomy for the correction of cubitus varus resulting from a supracondylar distal humerus fracture in children.
Description of methods
A retrospective review of 90 children, aged 3 to 14, who underwent a modified French osteotomy between 1986 and 2012 for the correction of cubitus varus as a result of a supracondylar distal humerus fracture. Case notes and radiographs were reviewed. The carrying angle was measured clinically and radiologically pre-operatively, post-operatively and at latest follow up. Comparison was made with the unaffected side. The outcome was graded as good if the correction of the carrying angle was within 5 degrees of the unaffected side, satisfactory if the correction was more than 5 degrees of the unaffected side but cubitus valgus was restored and poor if there was persistence of cubitus varus post correction. Any intra-operative and post-operative complications were documented.
Summary of results
The average age at the time of osteotomy was 8 years. Sixty-two percent of the patients were male. The left elbow was affected 61% of the time. The average delay from time of fracture to osteotomy was 24 months. The average post-operative follow up was 3.5 months. With regard to the correction of the cubitus varus, 83% of patients had a good outcome, 17% had a satisfactory outcome, with no poor outcomes. Post-operative complications were documented in 6 patients, 3 of which required re-operation.
Conclusion
The modified French osteotomy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for cubitus varus following supracondylar distal humerus fractures in children.
NO DISCLOSURES
