What Is the Difference Between Valgus and Varus Deformity?

Elbow varus deformity is due to congenital or acquired factors causing the ulnar axis to shift inward, and the carrying angle is <0 °. Called elbow eversion.

Basic Information

Visiting department

orthopedics

Common locations

Elbow

Common causes

Trauma, non-injury-induced congenital malformations

Common symptoms

Elbow deformities and weakened muscles

Causes of elbow varus deformity

The etiology is caused by the elbow carrying angle <0 ° caused by various traumas.

Clinical manifestations of varus elbow deformity

Elbow deformity

That is, after the elbow injury is treated (or untreated), the varus angle of the elbow joint is significantly increased, and in severe cases, it can reach 15 ° ~ 35 °. At this time, the triangle relationship between the posterior elbow and the eagle and the hawk are changed. The distance between the mouths widens.

Dysfunction

Elbow joints are generally normal, but they have weakened muscles to varying degrees.

Elbow varus deformity examination

X-ray examination can confirm the diagnosis and measure its angle. The elbow varus angle can be displayed from the measurement, that is, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the humerus and the longitudinal axis of the ulna. Normally, the elbow joint has a carrying angle of 10 ° to 15 ° (that is, eversion). The angle instead turned inward.

Diagnosis of varus elbow deformity

The diagnosis can be confirmed based on the history of trauma and X-ray examination, and the angle can be measured.

Treatment of varus elbow deformity

Eliminating pain, improving function, and correcting deformities are the three goals in treating elbow varus, the first two of which are major. It is generally believed that for patients with a small elbow varus angle, mild elbow pain, and good elbow joint function, only work and life guidance can be given. For those who have severe deformity, varus angle of 30 °, severe pain, and elbow joint dysfunction that affects daily work and life, surgery should be considered.

Using humeral supracondylar osteotomy to correct elbow varus deformity and restore valgus angle can often achieve the purpose of eliminating pain and improving function.

Wedge osteotomy is a commonly used method. Triangular bone flap osteotomy and "V" osteotomy techniques are more complicated and require accurate design and careful operation. Regardless of the type of osteotomy, the osteotomy site needs to be fixed. The external fixation method or internal fixation can be selected. For patients with elbow varus secondary to elbow osteoarthritis or ulnar neuritis, in addition to osteotomy to correct deformities, corresponding treatment of secondary lesions should also be performed.