Cubitus Varus: Significant Factors

For better understanding of the etiology of “post-supracondylar fracture cubitus varus,” an in vitro anatomic experiment was performed. Elbow models were precisely photographed in 256 combinations of 10° increments of varus angulation, posterior angulation, internal rotation, and/or flexion contracture. Varus angulation was the most important single factor contributing to deformity. Addition of flexion contracture or posterior angulation to a given varus angulation decreased apparent deformity, whereas addition of internal rotation worsened the deformity. Control of varus angulation in the clinical setting, by whatever method, should minimize post-supracondylar fracture cubitus varus.