Lateral closing wedge osteotomy with plate fixation for adult cubitus varus following childhood supracondylar humerus fracture: A case report and review of the literature

Cubitus varus (“gun-stock deformity”) is a frequent late sequela of malunited supracondylar humerus fractures. Corrective osteotomy in adults requires precise preoperative planning and rigid fixation to ensure accurate correction and avoid lateral condylar prominence. Inclusion of objective functional outcome scores strengthens postoperative assessment. A 21-year-old male presented with a 15-year history of left cubitus varus (carrying angle –11.9°; right 13.8°) and difficulty extending the elbow while lifting weight. Preoperative planning using contralateral elbow tracing and autoclaved aluminium-foil templates identified a 26° lateral closing wedge. The osteotomy was executed parallel to the joint line and stabilized with a contoured extra-articular metaphyseal lateral locking plate. Early mobilization was initiated on postoperative day one. Radiographic union occurred by 12 weeks. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 85 at three months and improved to 100 by six months. No lateral condylar prominence was observed; elbow motion and carrying angle symmetry were restored. The patient returned to full daily activities without pain. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy with rigid plate fixation remains a reliable corrective strategy for adult cubitus varus with isolated coronal deformity. Advanced 3D planning technologies may further enhance accuracy but are not mandatory when precise conventional planning is employed.