# Locking plate versus K-wires and cast fixation in lateral closing-wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity

## TL;DR

This study compares two surgical methods for correcting cubitus varus deformity and finds that using a locking plate provides better outcomes than K-wires and cast fixation.

## Contribution

The study provides a direct comparison of clinical and radiographic outcomes between locking plate and K-wires fixation for cubitus varus deformity.

## Key findings

- Locking plate fixation achieved better functional and cosmetic results compared to K-wires and cast fixation.
- The postoperative carrying angle was significantly different between the two groups at final follow-up.
- No nonunion, neurovascular injury, or myositis ossificans was observed in either group.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cubitus varus treatments based on different fixation methods: Locking plate vs. Kirschner-wires (K-wires) and cast fixation.

This retrospective study of 28 patients was performed in lateral-wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in our hospital from July 2018 to July 2020. 14 patients in group A were treated by locking plate after lateral closing-wedge osteotomy, whereas other 14 patients were treated by K-wires in group B. We measured the bony union and carrying angle. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed according to the Bellemore criteria.

No nonunion, neurovascular injury or myositis ossificans was noted at follow-up. In group A, 1 patient with lateral condylar prominence was found. In group B, 2 patients with pinning site infection were treated successfully with oral antibiotics and 2 patients needed revision surgery for residual varus. According to the Bellemore criteria, statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups (P = 0.0458). In the present study, no statistically significant difference was noted in the length of incision and operation time between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). However, the postoperative carrying angle was significantly different at final follow-up between the 2 groups (P < 0.01).

Compared with K-wires and cast fixation, we recommend the wedge osteotomy with lateral locking plate to treat the cubitus varus deformity because locking plate could achieve better functional and cosmetic results and stabilize the distal humerus rigidly.