Radial varus deformity

　　Radial varus deformity is caused by various traumas that lead to the carrying angle of the elbow joint

　　1, Supracondylar fracture of the humerus: This is the most common cause, accounting for about 80% of all radial varus. Some reports indicate that the incidence of radial varus deformity concurrent with humeral epiphysial fracture can reach 30% to 57%. Most scholars believe that the cause of the occurrence is due to the inward inclination of the distal end of the fracture. Studies have shown that poor reduction after fracture, compression and interposition of the medial bone, separation of the lateral end of the fracture, and inward rotation and torsion of the distal end of the fracture are the main reasons for the inward inclination of the distal end of the fracture.

　　2, Complete epiphysial separation of the distal humerus and medial epicondyle injury: This injury is prone to early closure of the epiphysis and cause elbow deformity, and can also cause the growth of the humeral medial epicondyle to slow down or stop due to ischemic necrosis, and eventually lead to radial varus.

　　3, Poor reduction of humeral medial epicondyle fracture:It is also relatively common, especially in cases with obvious swelling, which is prone to failure of reduction, or due to the failure to replace the plaster in a timely manner after reduction.

　　4, Old elbow joint dislocation: It is relatively rare and mostly occurs in more complex injury situations.

　　Generally, the elbow joint activity of patients can be basically normal, but there is varying degrees of muscle weakness. Radial varus deformity is caused by the deviation of the ulna axis towards the medial side due to congenital or acquired factors, without any special complications.

　　Patients with radial varus deformity show a significant increase in the varus angle of the elbow joint in the extended position, which can reach 15° to 35°, with changes in the posterior triangular joint, and an increased distance between the epicondyle and the olecranon. Generally, the elbow joint movement is normal, but there is varying degrees of muscle weakness. The elbow varus angle can be measured from the X-ray film. Generally, the elbow joint activity of patients can be basically normal, but there is varying degrees of muscle weakness.

　　The prevention of genu varum deformity lies in preventing fractures of the humeral condyle, complete epiphysial separation of the distal humerus, damage to the medial epiphysis, poor reduction of the humeral medial condyle fracture, and old elbow joint dislocation. It is important to detect and diagnose early.

　　X-ray examination can confirm genu varum and measure the angle. The X-ray photograph can show the angle of genu varum from the measurement, which is the angle between the longitudinal axis of the humerus and the ulna, normally with a carrying angle of 10° to 15° (i.e., in an outwardly flipped state) for the elbow joint. During genu varum, this angle becomes inwardly flipped.

　　The diet of patients with genu varum deformity should be light and nutritious, with an emphasis on eating more fruits such as bananas, strawberries, apples, etc., as they are rich in nutrients. Eat more immune-boosting foods like propolis to enhance the body's resistance to diseases. It is also important to have a balanced diet and ensure adequate nutrition. Avoid smoking and drinking, as well as spicy, stimulating, and cold foods to prevent recurrent attacks of the disease.

　　Eliminating pain, improving function, and correcting deformity are the three goals of the treatment of genu varum, of which the first two are the main ones. For those with genu varum who have mild clinical symptoms due to professional requirements or strong desire for correction, the situation is different. Generally speaking, for patients with small genu varum angles, mild elbow pain, and good elbow joint function, only work and life guidance is needed. For patients with severe deformity, about 30° of varum angle, severe pain, and functional disorders of the elbow joint affecting daily work and life, surgical treatment should be considered. The application of osteotomy on the humeral condyle can correct the genu varum deformity and restore the varum angle, often achieving the goal of eliminating pain and improving function. The wedge osteotomy is a common method, while the triangular osteotomy and 'V' osteotomy techniques are more complex and require accurate design and careful operation. Regardless of the type of osteotomy, the osteotomy site must be fixed, and the method of fixation can be external or internal. For patients with genu varum who have secondary osteoarthritis of the elbow joint or ulnar neuritis, in addition to osteotomy to correct the deformity, treatment for the secondary lesions should also be carried out accordingly.