What are the symptoms of cubitus varus?
The child previously had a fracture above the humeral condyle, and now seems to have some cubitus varus. I would like to know what symptoms are associated with cubitus varus.
Doctor's answer (1)
Cubitus varus is a common elbow deformity, mainly characterized by excessive medial angulation of the elbow joint, resulting in inward rotation of the forearm relative to the upper arm. This condition is commonly seen in children and adolescents, especially those who have previously sustained supracondylar fractures of the humerus. Its symptoms mainly include the following:
1. Pain and discomfort: Patients may experience pain in the elbow or forearm, especially after specific activities or prolonged arm use. The pain may originate from stretched or injured muscles, ligaments, or cartilage around the joint.
2. Limited motion: Cubitus varus may lead to reduced range of motion in the elbow joint, particularly limited extension and rotation, which can affect daily activities and participation in sports.
3. Altered appearance: The medial angulation becomes明显 apparent when the elbow is extended, with an increased angle reaching 15°–35°, changes in the triangular relationship at the back of the elbow, and increased distance between the lateral epicondyle and olecranon.
4. Elbow swelling: Increased intra-articular pressure caused by cubitus varus stimulates synovial membranes to secrete more synovial fluid, leading to local tissue edema and fluid accumulation.
5. Joint wear: Long-standing cubitus varus may result in abnormal contact and pressure distribution across the joint surfaces, accelerating cartilage wear and eventually progressing to arthritis, further limiting joint function and increasing pain.
6. Muscle weakness: Long-term cubitus varus may cause imbalance in the muscles surrounding the elbow joint, leading to muscle atrophy and decreased muscle strength.
