Cubitus varus

Last revised by Andrew Murphy on 27 Jul 2022

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Bijoor M, Murphy A, Knipe H, Cubitus varus. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 16 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-48673

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-48673

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/48673

rID:

48673

Article created:

19 Oct 2016, Manu Bijoor

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Manu Bijoor had no recorded disclosures.

View Manu Bijoor's current disclosures

Last revised:

27 Jul 2022, Andrew Murphy ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Andrew Murphy had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Andrew Murphy's current disclosures

Revisions:

5 times, by 3 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal

Tags:

refs, cases

Synonyms:

Gunstock deformity

Cubitus varus (gunstock deformity) is a malalignment of the distal humerus that results in a change of carrying angle from the physiologic valgus alignment (5-15 degrees) of the arm and forearm to varus malalignment. Historically, it is a complication of supracondylar fractures with a frequency as high as 30%. Its appearance is the major concern, as it causes little functional impairment

This deformity results due to malalignment of a supracondylar fracture. Varus alignment can result from collapse of the medial column from comminution. It can also result from an extension and internal rotation of the distal fractured fragment. This deformity is usually static and does not remodel over time.

Complications

An ulnar nerve palsy may sometimes occur from compression of chronic malposition of the triceps.

Radiographic features

Plain radiographs

Plain AP and lateral x-rays of the affected and unaffected elbow should be obtained for comparison and operative planning if surgical correction is desired.