Accurate correction in rotational osteotomies

A method for controlling the degree of rotational correction in rotational osteotomies of long bones is presented. The formula L = 0.017QR has been derived, where Q is the desired angle of correction in degrees, R is the radius of the bone as measured on standard roentgenograms, and L is the distance between marks on the two rotated segments of the surgical specimen. The method is easy, accurate, and reproducible and has been experimentally confirmed on both an acrylic pipe and cadaveric femurs. This technique is useful for controlling rotational correction in osteotomies of all long bones.