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Cubitus Valgus and Cubitus Varus
Definition: Cubitus valgus is defined as an increasd angle between the shaft of the humerus and the shaft of the unla that is greater than 7° in males and 15° in females.
Cubitus varus is defined as a decreased angle between the shaft of the humerus and the shaft of the unla that is less than 3° in males and 10° in females.
Causes: The angle of the cubitus is gender sensitive, with females generally possessing a greater angle (cubitus valgus) than males. When present at birth, a cubitus valgus may be indicative of Turner's or Noonan's syndrome.
Other causes of cubitus valgus/varus include: Paget's disease, fractures (supracondylar), osteogenesis imperfecta.
Examination: Cubital angle deformities are most manifest with the patient arm in full extension. The angle between the line of the shaft of the humerus and the line of the shaft of the ulna will determine the type of cubital deformity.
It is important to rule out sinister causes of cubital deformities such as supracondylar fractures.