Cubitus valgus - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

It is a condition in which the arm of the patient is turned outside i.e. away from body in the normal position and also when extended fully. It is a rare condition. The forearm is turned outside excessively as compare to the position of upper arm. Sometimes, it is considered as fracture of a bone named lateral condyle of humerus. The fracture of lateral condyle may lead to a disease called tardy or delayed ulnar nerve palsy.

The opposite condition to cubitus valgus is cubitus varus in which the forearm is turned inward as compare to its original position. When this condition is noticed by birth, then it can be turner syndrome or Noonan syndrome. The normal angle between body and arm is 3 to 29 degrees and it varies with the gender as in females it is not more than 18 degrees and in men not more than 15 degrees. It occurs more frequently in female as compare to men. Patients with this condition when walk, their hip movement becomes clear. There may also be problem in carrying objects and other routine activities. The exact problem is identified via comparing both arms.

Cubitus valgus Causes

                     
The most common causes associated with this condition are as follows:

• It may occurs when there are abnormalities in development of children.
• Any kind of trauma can cause this disease.
• Stress which is repeated frequently applied on arm can also be the cause behind this condition.
• It can also be genetic or later fracture occurred at the site of elbow at lower end of humerus or capitulum.
• The main bones affected are radius, ulna and humerus.
• Malnutrition is also a reason behind it.
• Turner’s syndrome is also considered a main cause behind this cubitus valgus.

Cubitus valgus Symptoms

               
The main visible physical symptom of cubitus valgus is bending of arm. The angle between body and arm is more than normal value that is greater than 15 degrees. The palm of patient is facing front. Patient may face difficulty in routine activities while holding an object and placing it somewhere. Patient feels disappointment and confusion in public and crowded areas. It is a painless condition but continuous and repetitive stress can cause pain in elbow and forearm. This condition if severe can lead to many other conditions which are also problematic in routine life.

Cubitus valgus Treatment 

                 
If cubitus valgus is mild i.e. less bended outside, then no proper treatment is needed except some physical exercises. Osteotomy is another option in treatment associated with medial closed wedge, can be moderate and severe. There may be many limitations associated with osteotomy like poor internal fixation, difficulty in performing technique, discomfort faced by patient and increased risk of injury in neurovascular region. The patient is not allowed to move after osteotomy for long time period. Physical therapy is also compulsory side by side with these treatment techniques.