THE TRICEPS-SPLITTING APPROACH FOR REPAIR OF DISTAL HUMERAL MALUNION IN CHILDREN. A REPORT OF A TECHNIQUE

Repair of cubitus varus in a child requires a distal humeral osteotomy. The triceps-splitting surgical approach was used for repair of distal humeral malunion in 10 children. Six patients had repair of cubitus varus, 3 had fixation of a fresh fracture, and 1 had repair of a nonunion. No problems with healing were noted. Triceps weakness and elbow stiffness did not occur. The triceps-splitting approach is particularly well suited for repair of cubitus varus in children because, compared with the lateral approach, it is cosmetically favorable, avoids ulnar and cutaneous nerves, does not damage extensor function, provides excellent visualization of the osteotomy site, and does not result in joint stiffness.