Comparative evaluation of pinning and cast fixation vs. external fixation after lateral closing-wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus in children.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nCubitus varus has been regarded as poor functional and cosmetic consequences of supracondylar humerus fracture in children. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes of cubitus varus based on fixation methods: K-wire and cast fixation or external fixation.\n\n\nMETHODS\n40 consecutive patients with cubitus varus secondary to supracondylar fractures were enrolled between October 2015 and December 2018. Following lateral closing-wedge osteotomy, the method of K-wire and cast fixation was chosen as group A (n = 21) while the method of external fixation was defined as group B (n = 19), retrospectively. We measured the bony union, elbow joint range of motion, and carrying angle. The clinical and radiographic results were assessed according to the Bellemore criteria.\n\n\nRESULTS\nNo significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age, gender, operation duration, union time, and postoperative elbow range of motion (P > .05). A significant difference was noted in postoperative carrying angle and results according to Bellemore criteria in group B (P < .05). No nonunion, myositis ossificans, or neurovascular injury was found at follow-up in 2 groups. In group A, revision surgery was needed for residual varus in 1 patient and lateral condylar prominence was found in 2 patients. In group B, a superficial pin-site infection occurred in 2 patients who were treated successfully with oral antibiotics.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nBoth K-wire and external fixation after lateral closing-wedge osteotomy are reliable and effective for the treatment of cubitus varus in children. Compared with K-wire method, external fixation could achieve better functional and cosmetic results with a shorter learning curve.