A systematic review of the operative techniques for treating cubitus varus deformity in children

Abstract

A systematic review of the operative techniques for treating cubitus varus deformity in children was performed using research databases including PubMed and Embase. Outcome measurements included mean angular correction of the humerus-elbow-wrist angle, complications, revisions and outcome scores. A total of 45 papers and 911 patients were included. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy (LCWO) (427 patients) was the most common procedure and 5.56% of these patients experienced lateral condylar prominence. This technique had the highest revision rate at 3%. The step-cut osteotomy (111 patients) yielded zero postoperative infections or loss of motion. Distraction osteogenesis (92 patients) was the least common technique. Superficial pin tract infections occurred in 18% of patients and 88.04% of patients reported excellent results, the highest of any technique in this study. The infection rate of dome osteotomy (151 patients) was 9.45% and 4.72% of patients experienced loss of motion. 3D osteotomy (130 patients) had no infections, 87.78% of patients reported excellent outcomes, and 2.22% of patients reported poor outcomes, the lowest of all techniques. For unidimensional correction, LCWO provides a technically simple procedure and reasonable outcomes. Step-cut osteotomy has less lateral condylar prominence but is more complicated than LCWO. Distraction osteogenesis is a minimally invasive alternative to LCWO and step-cut osteotomy, but it has more superficial infections and can be bothersome to patients. For a multidimensional correction, 3D osteotomy is superior to dome osteotomy due to its lower infection rate and higher rate of functionally excellent outcomes.