To investigate the clinical effectiveness of humeral supracondylar wedge osteotomy combined with modified tension band wire to treat cubitus varus.

Thirty-seven patients with cubitus varus in the First People's Hospital of Zigong from January 2015 to January 2019 were chosen, 21 males and 16 females, the age were(12.9± 2.1)years on average. Among them, 10 cases were complicated with internal rotation. All the patients were treated by humeral supracondylar wedge osteotomy combined with modified tension band wire. The results of varus angle, flexion activity and extension activity of the elbow joint were compared between pre-operation and post-operation by paired t test. The results of carrying angle, flexion activity and extension activity of elbow joint were compared between affected side and normal side by group design t test.

All the patients were followed up for (2.0±0.8) years on average. The bone osteotomy of all the patients healed completely. The complete healing time was(74±10)d on average. The varus deformity of elbow joint on the affected side was corrected after the operation (t=19.749, P <0.05). The flexion activity and extension activity of the affected side was improved compared with those pre-operation (t=3.279, -10.573, both P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the carrying angle, flexion activity and extension activity of elbow between affected side and normal side (all P>0.05). The incisions of all the patients healed in the primary stage, without infection, nerve injury, internal fixation loosening, falling off or breakage.

Humeral supracondylar wedge osteotomy combined with modified tension band wire has the advantages of simple operation, obvious correction of varus deformity, reliable strength of internal fixation, early functional exercise and good recovery of elbow function for treatment of cubitus varus.