ABSTRACT
Cubitus varus and valgus are seen more commonly following trauma, disease or as part of a congenital anomaly affecting the distal humerus. The commonest cause of cubitus varus is malunion of a supracondylar fracture. It can also develop following damage to the distal humeral growth plate. Developmental cubitus varus can occur in skeletal dysplasias and in children with hereditary multiple osteochondromatosis. Cubitus valgus frequently follows lateral condylar fractures of the humerus and may be seen in some skeletal dysplasias. It is also often seen in association with nail-patella syndrome. Cubitus varus and valgus seldom limit elbow function unless the deformity is so severe as to make the joint unstable. Cubitus valgus due to non-union of a lateral condylar fracture is progressive. Cubitus varus has also been implicated as predisposing to tardy ulnar nerve palsy due to recurrent subluxation of the nerve and entrapment neuropathy. If progressive cubitus varus or valgus become very severe, instability of the elbow may ensue.
