Persistent Ulnar Nerve Palsy with Cubitus Valgus Deformity Following a Surgically Treated Flexion-type Supracondylar Humeral Fracture - A Case Report

Introduction: Supracondylar humeral fractures (SHFs) in children are mostly extension-type. SHFs have a high risk of cubitus varus deformity, while valgus deformity is rarely described. Nerve palsy can also occur during or after the injury, with most cases recovering spontaneously. Here, we present a rare case of cubitus valgus deformity after a flexion-type SHF with ulnar nerve (UN) palsy, which was successfully treated by corrective osteotomy and anterior transposition of the UN.

Case Report: A 10-year-old girl had left-sided cubitus valgus deformity with persistent UN palsy 4 months after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) at another hospital. Half a year after the initial operation, corrective osteotomy of the distal humerus with neurolysis and subcutaneous anterior transposition of the UN were performed. She showed excellent recovery 14-month postoperatively and reported restored motor and sensory function with symmetrical elbow appearance.

Conclusion: Surgeons usually observe the elbow angle carefully to avoid cubitus varus deformity. However, when treating a case of flexion-type SHFs, ORIF should be conducted to avoid cubitus valgus deformity, which could potentially cause UN traction as well as cosmetic dissatisfaction.