What Is Cubitus Valgus?

When the normal elbow joint is fully straightened, there is a slight valgus, about 10 ° for men and 15 ° for women. This eversion angle is called the carry angle. If this angle increases, the forearm is too abducted, which is called elbow valgus deformity.

Basic Information

nickname

Elbow valgus deformity

English name

cubitus valgus

Visiting department

orthopedics

Common locations

Elbow joint

Common causes

The humeral internal and external condyle fractures were not reduced or reset in time, the humeral internal condyles were overgrown, and the elbow was dislocated.

Common symptoms

Pain, neuritis, ulnar nerve injury, weakness of hand internal muscles, atrophy, elbow osteoarthritis, etc.

Causes of elbow eversion

Elbow valgus can be caused by the failure of the humeral metatarsal and epicondylar fractures to be reset or poorly reset, the premature closure of the humeral epicondyle, or ischemic necrosis, and the dislocation of the elbow joint without reset or poor reduction. Elbow eversion caused by humeral condyle fracture is caused by excessive growth of humeral condyle. Elbow dislocation without reset or poor reset can also cause elbow eversion. After the small head of the radius is removed, elbow eversion is caused by the disappearance of the important mechanical blocking effect at the proximal end of the radius after the small head of the radius is removed, causing abnormalities in the biomechanics of the elbow joint and forearm.

Elbow valgus clinical manifestations

The elbow is deformed and often asymptomatic. When the elbow joint is straightened, the elbow valgus angle increases, which can reach more than 30 °. Elbow movement is generally not obstructed, and articular surface damage to the elbow joint can cause pain. For patients with severe valgus, because the ulnar nerve is in a state of high tension or after trauma, it is often rubbed due to ulnar nerve adhesions. Delayed ulnar neuritis may occur and the ulnar nerve may be damaged, unknowingly. Tingling and sensory disturbance (half of the little and ring fingers) occurred in the innervation area of the ulnar nerve, and the internal muscles of the hand were weak and atrophic. Elbow osteoarthritis can occur in people engaged in heavy manual labor.

Elbow eversion check

Elbow X-ray examination: The elbow joint carrying angle is increased, and osteoarthritis may be manifested.

Elbow valgus diagnosis

Because the disease is generally easy to diagnose based on the appearance of the elbow, auxiliary examinations are rarely used, and clinically, for some patients with insignificant performance, X-ray examination can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Elbow eversion treatment

Elbow eversion without elbow joint dysfunction and pain symptoms is generally left untreated.

Conservative treatment

It is suitable for patients with early elbow osteoarthritis with mild clinical symptoms and insignificant elbow dysfunction. Pain is the most common symptom. Physical therapy, massage and other physical treatments can be performed, or medications such as aspirin can be taken, which can be supplemented with neurotrophic drugs.

2. Surgical treatment

(1) Surgery method The humeral supracondylar osteotomy and ulnar nerve advancement.

(2) Surgical indications include: severe elbow valgus deformity and deformity stable for more than several years. The symptoms of joint pain and weakness are obvious, affecting the function of elbow joint. Patients with traumatic arthritis. Patients with delayed ulnar neuritis.

The main purpose of surgery is to correct deformities, stabilize joints, reduce pain and change joint uneven force, and prevent the deterioration of joint degeneration.

Elbow valgus is mainly due to the consequences of elbow trauma and lesions. Therefore, when trauma and lesions occur in the elbow, the possibility of deformity of the elbow can be considered, especially the fracture of the humerus or dislocation of the elbow. In this case, it is necessary to correct the lateral displacement first, and then make other resets, and try to do the anatomical reset as much as possible. If it is mildly deformed and asymptomatic, no treatment is necessary. If the deformity is obvious or the ulnar nerve is delayed, surgery should be performed as soon as possible to avoid irreversible changes of osteoarthritis or ulnar nerve injury.