gun-stock deformity
Last reviewed 01/2018
In patients with a cubitus varus deformity, the angle between the upper arm and forearm is increased to more than 180 degrees; thus when the arms are rested by the patient's side with the palms in supination, the forearm will point in towards the patient.
This deformity is obvious when the arms are elevated and the elbow is extended.
The most common cause of this condition is malunion of a supracondylar fracture.
The affected individual, usually a child, must be followed-up for many years as there is a later tendency to develop ulnar nerve palsy.
A wedge osteotomy of the lower humerus can be used to correct the deformity.