CUBITUS VARUS

Cubitus varus (varus means a deformity of a

limb in which part of it is deviated towards the
midline of the body) is a common deformity in
which the extended forearm is deviated
towards midline of the body .
Cubitus varus is often referred to as 'Gunstock
deformity', due to the crooked nature of the
healing.

a)Cubitus varus
b)cubitus valgus
Causes
Cubitus varus deformity is most common in
mal union of supracondylar fracture of
humerus.
Complications
Medial epicondyle is malformed due to initial
fracture which results in subluxation of ulnar
nerve over the medial epicondyle with active
entension and flexion of elbow.
Diagnosis
Cubitus varus is not able to be diagnosed until
after healing of the prior fracture, as the arm
must be in full extension, not flexion, for the
deformity to be noticed.
This is most obvious when the elbows are
extended and the arms are elevated.
Treatment
cubitus varus deformity is a cosmetic problem
without much functional impairment. Mild
deformity in male child may not require
treatment but a crooked elbow in female
should be corrected for cosmetic reasons. Can
be treated by wedged osteotomy of lower
humerus.