Triple modified French osteotomy: a possible answer to cubitus varus deformity. A technical note.

Abstract

Cubitus varus is the most common delayed complication of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. We developed a new technique, the triple modified French osteotomy, that we believe may be the answer to this common but yet unsolved deformity. Ten patients aged between 6 and 12 years with post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity were operated on with the triple modified French technique. A varus angle of more than 10° measured on the radiograph was an indication for surgery. The radiologic union at the osteotomy site took place in a mean period of 5.5 weeks (range, 4.5-7 weeks). The average correction achieved by the osteotomy was 27°. There were no cases with complications of radial or ulnar nerve palsy or joint stiffness. The triple modified lateral closing wedge French osteotomy is a simple and cosmetically effective method of treating cubitus varus deformity in children. It may obviate the need for more complex procedures; at the same time, it also addresses the potential drawbacks of a simple closing wedge osteotomy.