통합 검색
통합 검색
LengtheningㅣCorrection
Gangnam Champion Orthopedic Surgery
Hospital
- Limb Lengthening & Correction
- Spine & Joint
- Hand & Foot
- Rehabilitation
Cubitus Varus
Cubitus Valgus Surgery
in Korea
Crooked Arm
Elbow Deformity
Correction
Does your arm appear to bend inward or outward when you straighten your elbow?
A crooked arm may be caused by cubitus varus, cubitus valgus, a congenital bone deformity, or malunion following an elbow fracture.
These deformities can affect the carrying angle of the elbow and may cause visible asymmetry, functional problems, joint instability, or discomfort.
At Gangnam Champion Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, corrective surgery is individually planned according to the direction and degree of deformity, rotation, bone structure, elbow function, and the patient's treatment goals.
Even long-standing arm deformities that have been present for several decades can be evaluated to determine whether surgical correction is appropriate.
1. What Are Cubitus Varus & Cubitus Valgus?
The normal arm has a natural angle between the upper arm and forearm when the elbow is fully extended. This is known as the carrying angle.
When this alignment becomes abnormal, the condition may be classified as:
Cubitus Varus
Cubitus varus is an inward angulation of the arm at the elbow.
It is often referred to as a gunstock deformity because of the characteristic appearance of the arm.
Cubitus Valgus
Cubitus valgus is an excessive outward angulation of the forearm relative to the upper arm.
Both conditions may result from congenital abnormalities, growth disturbances, or previous fractures.
2. What Is Gunstock Deformity?
Gunstock deformity is a commonly used term for cubitus varus.
It frequently develops after a childhood elbow fracture, particularly when a supracondylar humerus fracture heals with abnormal alignment.
The deformity may involve more than simple sideways angulation.
There may also be:
✔ Rotation
✔ Flexion or extension deformity
✔ Three-dimensional bone malalignment
For this reason, correction should be planned according to the complete three-dimensional deformity rather than the visible angle alone.
3. Causes of a Crooked Arm
Possible causes include:
✔ Childhood elbow fractures
✔ Supracondylar humerus fracture malunion
✔ Growth plate abnormalities
✔ Congenital bone deformities
✔ Previous trauma
✔ Abnormal bone healing
✔ Previous surgery
✔ Developmental abnormalities
A history of childhood fracture is particularly important in adults who have had a crooked elbow for many years.
4. Symptoms of Cubitus Varus & Cubitus Valgus
Patients may notice:
✔ Arm bending inward or outward
✔ Different carrying angles between the two arms
✔ Visible asymmetry
✔ Difficulty fully bending or straightening the elbow
✔ Elbow discomfort
✔ Joint instability
✔ Fatigue with prolonged arm use
✔ Functional limitations
✔ Cosmetic concerns
Some patients have little pain but are concerned about significant asymmetry.
Others may develop functional or neurological problems depending on the type and severity of deformity.
5. Long-Standing Crooked Arm Deformity
Some adults have lived with cubitus varus or cubitus valgus since childhood.
A deformity that has been present for several decades does not automatically mean that correction is impossible.
However, long-standing deformities require careful evaluation of:
✔ Bone anatomy
✔ Elbow joint condition
✔ Range of motion
✔ Rotation
✔ Muscle and tendon balance
✔ Nerve function
✔ Previous fracture or surgery
✔ Patient age and bone quality
Corrective surgery is considered only after evaluating the expected benefits and limitations for the individual patient.
6. Diagnosis
Evaluation may include:
✔ Physical examination
✔ Measurement of the carrying angle
✔ Comparison with the opposite arm
✔ Range-of-motion testing
✔ Evaluation of rotational deformity
✔ Nerve examination
✔ X-rays
✔ Additional imaging when necessary
Surgical planning should evaluate the deformity in multiple planes rather than relying only on the visible elbow angle.
7. Non-Surgical Treatment
Mild deformities without significant symptoms may not require surgery.
Conservative treatment may include:
✔ Observation
✔ Physical therapy
✔ Range-of-motion exercises
✔ Strengthening
✔ Treatment of associated pain
However, exercises or physical therapy cannot substantially change a fixed structural bone deformity.
8. When Is Surgery Considered?
Corrective surgery may be considered when there is:
✔ Significant cubitus varus
✔ Significant cubitus valgus
✔ Post-traumatic elbow deformity
✔ Functional limitation
✔ Joint instability
✔ Neurological symptoms
✔ Progressive problems
✔ Significant asymmetry or individual concern
The decision is based on the overall condition rather than the angle alone.
9. Cubitus Varus Corrective Surgery
The primary surgical treatment for a structural cubitus varus deformity is generally a corrective osteotomy.
The humerus is carefully corrected to improve alignment of the arm.
Depending on the deformity, correction may address:
✔ Varus angulation
✔ Rotation
✔ Flexion or extension
✔ Three-dimensional alignment
The amount and direction of correction are individually planned using preoperative examination and imaging.
10. Cubitus Valgus Corrective Surgery
Cubitus valgus correction also requires individualized planning.
Depending on the condition, surgery may involve:
✔ Corrective osteotomy
✔ Bone alignment correction
✔ Rotational correction
✔ Evaluation or treatment of associated nerve problems
✔ Stable internal fixation
Cubitus valgus can sometimes be associated with irritation or dysfunction of the ulnar nerve, so neurological evaluation may be particularly important.
11. 3D Correction of Elbow Deformity
A crooked arm is not always a simple two-dimensional deformity.
Post-traumatic cubitus varus in particular may involve abnormalities in:
✔ Coronal alignment
✔ Sagittal alignment
✔ Rotation
Corrective osteotomy can therefore be planned to address the deformity in three dimensions when necessary.
The objective is balanced arm alignment while preserving elbow function.
12. Post-Traumatic Elbow Deformity
A childhood or adult elbow fracture can heal in an abnormal position.
This is called malunion.
Post-traumatic deformity may result in:
✔ Cubitus varus
✔ Cubitus valgus
✔ Rotational deformity
✔ Limited elbow motion
✔ Visible asymmetry
✔ Joint instability
Corrective surgery may be considered even years after the original injury, depending on the existing bone and joint condition.
13. Revision Surgery
Patients who have persistent or recurrent deformity after previous elbow surgery can also be evaluated for revision treatment.
Revision surgery may be considered for selected cases involving:
✔ Residual deformity
✔ Loss of correction
✔ Malunion
✔ Nonunion
✔ Implant problems
✔ Rotational deformity
✔ Persistent functional limitations
Revision surgery is generally more complex and requires individualized surgical planning.
Detailed Cubitus Varus & Cubitus Valgus Surgery Information
Would you like to learn more about cubitus varus, cubitus valgus, gunstock deformity, corrective osteotomy, and recovery after crooked arm correction?
Visit our detailed surgical information page for additional information about elbow deformity correction and surgical treatment options.
14. Anesthesia
Depending on the procedure and patient's medical condition, selected corrective arm procedures may be performed using regional anesthesia combined with sedation.
General anesthesia may therefore not be required in selected patients.
The appropriate anesthetic technique is determined after medical evaluation.
15. After Surgery & Rehabilitation
Postoperative management depends on the osteotomy and fixation method.
When sufficiently stable fixation is achieved, early elbow movement may be started according to the surgeon's instructions.
Depending on the procedure:
✔ A full cast may not be required in selected patients
✔ Elbow range-of-motion exercises may begin relatively early
✔ Unaffected hand and finger movement is encouraged
✔ Follow-up X-rays are used to monitor bone healing
✔ Activity is gradually increased
✔ Rehabilitation may be used to reduce stiffness and restore function
Return to office work and daily activities varies according to the procedure, pain, arm function, and individual recovery.
16. Possible Risks & Complications
As with any orthopedic surgery, complications are possible.
Potential risks include:
✔ Infection
✔ Delayed wound healing
✔ Delayed union
✔ Nonunion
✔ Fracture
✔ Implant irritation or failure
✔ Loss of correction
✔ Residual deformity
✔ Elbow stiffness
✔ Nerve injury or irritation
✔ Vascular injury
✔ Reduced range of motion
✔ Need for additional surgery
The potential benefits, limitations, and risks should be discussed before surgery.
17. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can an arm that has been crooked for decades be corrected?
Some long-standing cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformities can be surgically corrected. The feasibility and degree of correction depend on the bone, joint, nerve, soft-tissue condition, and overall health of the patient.
Q. Is the degree of the elbow angle the only factor that determines surgery?
No. The decision should also consider symptoms, function, rotation, joint condition, nerve status, asymmetry, and the patient's treatment goals.
Q. Is general anesthesia required?
Selected procedures may be performed using regional anesthesia with sedation. The appropriate anesthetic method is determined individually.
Q. Will I need a cast?
A full cast may not be necessary after selected procedures when stable fixation is achieved. However, postoperative protection depends on the surgical technique and bone stability.
Q. When can I move my elbow?
Early range-of-motion exercises may be started in selected patients according to fixation stability and the surgeon's instructions.
Q. Can deformity after a childhood elbow fracture be corrected in adulthood?
Yes, selected post-traumatic deformities can be evaluated for corrective osteotomy even many years after the original fracture.
18. Cubitus Varus & Cubitus Valgus Surgery in Seoul, South Korea
Gangnam Champion Hospital provides evaluation and treatment for:
✔ Cubitus varus
✔ Cubitus valgus
✔ Gunstock deformity
✔ Crooked arm
✔ Elbow deformity
✔ Post-traumatic elbow deformity
✔ Supracondylar fracture malunion
✔ Long-standing arm deformity
✔ Corrective osteotomy
✔ Revision elbow deformity surgery
Treatment is individually planned according to the patient's bone alignment, elbow function, X-rays, previous treatment history, and treatment goals.
International Patient Consultation
International patients interested in cubitus varus, cubitus valgus, or crooked arm correction in Korea may contact us before traveling.
For preliminary evaluation, it may be helpful to provide:
✔ Photographs of both arms fully extended
✔ Front and side views
✔ Recent elbow X-rays
✔ Age
✔ History of previous fracture or injury
✔ Previous surgery history
✔ Current symptoms
✔ Range-of-motion limitations
Final diagnosis and surgical planning require appropriate medical examination.
Gangnam Champion Hospital
525 Ogeum-ro, Songpa-gu
Seoul, South Korea
T : +82-2-408-7575
E : drahn818@naver.com
◆: [ Consultation ]
Patients from overseas may contact the hospital for information regarding consultation, treatment scheduling, expected stay in Korea, and follow-up care.
This page provides general medical information and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Surgical indications, techniques, recovery, risks, and outcomes vary according to each patient's condition.
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