Surgical treatment of varus malunion of the proximal humerus with valgus osteotomy

Among the complications of 2-part fractures of the upper end of the humerus, little attention has been paid to the treatment of the varus malunion. However, this deformity frequently causes pain and disability of the shoulder. To improve this condition, we treated this malunion with a valgus wedge osteotomy. From August 1995 to January 1999, 5 patients with this deformity, all complaining about pain or unsatisfactory function of the shoulder (University of California, Los Angeles score 30). All patients were satisfied with the treatment.