A new osteotomy for cubitus varus.

From 1974 to 1986, a step-cut technique of distal humerus valgus osteotomy using one cortical screw for fixation was used to correct cubitus varus deformity in 11 patients. The results were graded as excellent, eight patients, good, two, and poor, one. The poor result was secondary to persistent varus. The average humeral-elbow-wrist angle in the ten patients with valgus correction roentgenographically measured 9.3 degrees. The average amount of correction was 28.4 degrees. All patients retained their preoperative level of elbow motion. There were no radial or ulnar nerve injuries, nonunions, infections, or hypertrophic scars. The osteotomy requires careful preoperative planning and special attention to surgical detail. Large amounts of deformity may be corrected safely with a low complication rate.