Cubitus Valgus with Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy – Functional Outcome of Milch Osteotomy without Anterior Transposition of Ulnar Nerve

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To assess the results of Milch osteotomy in terms of deformity correction and functional outcome in the absence of ulnar nerve transposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with cubitus valgus deformity greater than 20° with tardy ulnar nerve palsy (TUNP) operated between 2012 and 2017 were evaluated. Correction by Milch osteotomy and fixation was done in each case, without osteosynthesis of the non-union lateral condyle humerus or transposition of the ulnar nerve. At one year post-operatively, carrying angle, elbow function (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) and ulnar nerve symptoms were assessed. RESULTS: The mean carrying angle pre-operatively was 30.8° on the affected side which improved to a mean of 8.3° postoperatively with an average correction of 22.5°. The mean elbow flexion pre-operatively was 129.4° which improved to 133.3° post-operatively. The mean preoperative MEP score was 76.7 which improved to a mean of 92.2 post-operatively (p < 0.01). TUNP recovered completely in all the patients. CONCLUSION: Milch osteotomy is an effective procedure for cubitus valgus deformity correction and its associated tardy ulnar nerve palsy without a decrease in elbow ROM. Correction of even severe valgus deformities without concurrent anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is likely to improve ulnar nerve symptoms.

Keywords

• non-union
• lateral condyle humerus
• cubitus valgus
• deformity
• milch osteotomy