Valgus high tibial osteotomy

A matched-pair comparative analysis was done comparing outcomes between a Coventry-type closing wedge valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and an HTO using an Ilizarov apparatus. Thirty patients were treated with a mean follow-up interval of 28.1 months. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index. Clinical and radiographic assessment of the index knee, complications, and over-all satisfaction of the patients were assessed. The procedures were performed between 1994 and 1997. The two groups were equal with respect to baseline demographics - age, sex, body mass index, smoking status. The patients undergoing an Ilizarov HTO had a significantly greater decrease in pain and increase in function at final follow-up assessment. Eleven of the 15 patients in the Ilizarov group were satisfied with the procedure compared to five in the closing wedge HTO group. The treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis in genu varum of the knee with an Ilizarov apparatus produces outcomes that are comparable to the standard lateral closing wedge osteotomy.     

Infections after high tibial osteotomy

Purpose

High tibial osteotomy is an established method in the treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Infections are a rare but severe complication that might endanger the clinical, radiological and functional outcome and might require several surgical revisions.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed through PubMed until November 2011. Search terms were “HTO” or “(high) tibial osteotomy”, alone or in combination with “infection(s)”, “infected” or “septic”. Only articles focussing on the infection treatment or analysis of risk factors for emergence of infection after high tibial osteotomy were included.

Results

A total of 26 studies could be identified. Seven studies were published before and 19 in or after 2000. One study had a level of evidence II, five level of evidence III and 20 level of evidence IV. Superficial infections were found in 1–9 % and deep infections in 0.5–4.7 % of the cases. Pin tract infections occurred in 2-71 % of the cases. One study reported on a secondary bacterial arthritis in 4.5 % of the cases. An oblique skin incision, non-smokers and a one-day hospitalization were found to be risk factors for infection emergence. Depending on the type of infection, treatment consisted of oral or systemic antibiotic therapy, alone or in combination with surgical revision, debridement and hardware removal. In some cases, antibiotic-loaded cement beads were inserted for local antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion

Infections after high tibial osteotomy are rare. Current data about infection rates, infection localization, risk factors for emergence of infection and treatment options allow not for a generalization of conclusions. A large multi-centre study is required to develop a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Navigated open wedge high tibial osteotomy

Computer navigation for high tibial osteotomy allows multiplane measurements of leg axis to be made intraoperatively in real time, and allows, to some extent, compensations to be made for preoperative planning of shortcomings. Clinically, computer navigation significantly improves postoperative leg axis accuracy, and reduces correction variability with fewer outliers, and furthermore, it significantly reduces radiation time. This paper reviews the advantages, clinical results, complications, pitfalls, and the posterior tibial slope control in navigated open wedge high tibial osteotomy.     

Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy without bone graft

Open wedge high tibial osteotomy has become the trend for correction of varus knee deformities. The drawbacks were the need of autogenous bone graft with its associated morbidity, and later the use of bone substitutes with their cost and delayed healing. In this study, a total of 58 consecutive patients underwent high tibial osteotomy with internal fixation by wedge (toothed) plate and screws without bone graft, from 2004 to 2008. Age of the patients ranged from 24 to 65 years. There were 37 women and 21 men. The osteotomy opening size ranged from 8 to 14 mm. The mean follow-up was 38 months. The osteotomy united in all patients. Average time to union was 12.4 weeks (range 8–16 weeks). Partial loss of correction occurred in one osteotomy. There was significant difference between the healing time and the size of the osteotomy opening. The results at the final follow-up using the HSS score were excellent in 51 knees (88%) and good in seven knees (12%). Despite the routine addition of bone graft as a part of the high tibial osteotomy procedure, this study supports medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy up to 14 mm without bone graft or bone substitutes, which shortens the operative time and avoids unnecessary morbidity.     

Heterotopic ossification post navigated high tibial osteotomy

The authors present a case of heterotopic ossification (HO) following a navigated high tibial osteotomy which necessitated a second surgical procedure. There is no evidence in the literature of HO following the use of invasive navigation reference markers. Although osseous reference marker fixation is the current standard technique, this case underscores the need for non-invasive reference markers.     

Tibial slope changes following dome-type high tibial osteotomy

The tibial slope is essential in knee biomechanics, both for ligament function and knee kinematics. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) designed primarily to correct frontal plane malalignment in osteoarthritis of the knee joint can cause unintentional tibial slope changes. We evaluated tibial slope changes in 40 knees in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis treated by dome-type HTO and external fixation on one side, and followed up for 55 months on average. Four different tibial slope measurement methods (anterior tibial cortex, proximal tibial anatomic axis, posterior tibial cortex, and proximal fibular anatomic axis) were used preoperatively and postoperatively on both sides. Patients were allocated into three groups according to their final frontal plane alignment of the knee joint (hypercorrection, normocorrection, and undercorrection groups) based on tibiofemoral anatomic axis angle. As a whole, preoperative slope values (11.2°, 7.5°, 5.6°, and 8.2° for the four methods, respectively) displayed a significant decrease postoperatively (on average 7.9°, 4.8°, 2.2°, and 3.7°, respectively). Patients with undercorrection (or recurrence of deformity) had a more remarkable decrease in slope than those with normocorrection or hypercorrection. The higher the degree of postoperative mechanical axis valgus, the higher the degree of posterior tibial slope that resulted. Sagittal plane changes after dome-type HTO basically decreasing the tibial slope should be taken into account for subsequent reconstructive procedures such as total knee arthroplasty.     

Combined medial meniscal transplantation and high tibial osteotomy

This study describes a new surgical technique for combined medial meniscal transplantation and opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for meniscal-deficient knees with malalignment. The technique allows wider medial joint opening, better visualization of the medial compartment as well as easier meniscal graft positioning and suturing. This is achieved by transplanting the meniscus after superficial medial collateral ligament release and before osteotomy opening and fixation.     

Improvements in surgical technique of valgus high tibial osteotomy

We present four technical modifications of high tibial osteotomy which improve its safety and reproducibility. (a) Open wedge correction: opening wedge osteotomy from the medial side avoids lateral muscle detachment, dissection of the peroneal nerve, proximal fibula osteotomy, and leg shortening; only one osteotomy needs to be performed and the correction can be adapted intraoperatively. (b) Biplanar osteotomy: in addition to the transverse osteotomy of the posterior tibia a second ascending osteotomy in the coronary plane underneath the tibial tuberosity is performed. This provides improved rotational stability of the osteotomy and creates an anterior buttress against sagittal tilting of the osteotomy planes. (c) Incomplete osteotomy with plastic deformation of the tibia: 10 mm of lateral bone stock is left intact. The osteotomy is opened gradually over several minutes by sequential impaction of flat chisels or by use of a special spreading tool. Manifest fractures of the lateral cortex with resulting instability are avoided. Rapid bone healing is promoted. (d) Rigid fixation: stable osteosynthesis allows for early mobilization and avoids losses-of-correction. We use a medial plate-fixator which can be applied percutanously. In 112 patients operated on using this modified technique no pseudarthosis or loss-of-correction was observed.     

胫骨高位截骨术:闭合与开放楔形截骨对比

目的比较胫骨高位截骨术中闭合楔形截骨法(闭合楔)与开放楔形截骨法(开放楔)的临床结果及影像学特点。方法选取2013年7月至2014年6月北京积水潭医院矫形骨科收治的因膝内翻畸形施行的29例(44膝)胫骨高位截骨术患者。其中16例(24膝)采用闭合楔形截骨术,13例(20膝)采用开放楔形截骨术,均采用Tomofix系列钢板进行固定,随访时间分别为平均18.3个月(18~24个月)和16.6个月(18~25个月)。于末次评价两组患者Lysholm评分的变化、关节活动度变化及并发症发生情况。影像学方面,对比两组患者力线矫正的准确性、矫正角度及,术前、术后髌骨高度的变化及胫骨平台后倾角的变化。结果闭合楔组患者Lysholm评分从术前的(96.8±6.3)分增加至术后的(98.2±3.3)分(P=0.828);开放楔组患者从术前的(95.4±8.3)分增加至术后的(98.1±3.4)分(P=0.656)。闭合楔组关节活动度术前为(137.7°±14.2°),术后为(133.5°±15.0°)(P=0.146);开放楔组术前为(138.5°±15.6°),术后为(134.3°±17.3°)(P=0.207)。闭合楔组有1例(1膝,4.2%)出现腓神经损伤症状,半年后恢复;另有1例(1膝,4.2%)出现截骨延迟愈合,术后6个月复查时截骨愈合。闭合楔组与开放楔组畸形矫正满意率分别为87.5%和90%(P=1.000)。闭合楔组矫正胫骨内翻的角度为(10.3°±4.3°);开放楔组为(9.4°±5.3°)(P=0.289)。在髌骨高度方面,术后闭合楔组Caton Deschamps指数(CDI)从(1.09±0.17)增大至(1.11±0.18)(P=0.761);开放楔组从(1.16±0.25)减小至(0.99±0.23)(P=0.034)。闭合楔组胫骨后倾角从(13.4°±5.1°)减小至(9.4°±5.3°)(P=0.010);开放楔组从(12.0°±4.1°)增大至14.9°±5.1°(P=0.050)。结论闭合楔与开放楔两种截骨技术都能获得满意的临床结果。开放楔可能减小髌骨高度,故对于术前即存在髌骨低位的患者,应避免采用开放楔,或者采用开放楔时冠状面截骨斜向前下方,将胫骨结节保留在近端截骨块,以避免进一步加重髌骨低位,影响关节活动。由于闭合楔可能减小胫骨平台后倾而开放楔可能增加后倾,故应按照实际需要个体化地选择截骨方式。     

Wedge volume and osteotomy surface depend on surgical technique for high tibial osteotomy

Purpose

Biplanar open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is thought to promote rapid bone healing due to the increased cancellous bone surface compared to other HTO techniques. However, precise data on the bone surface area and wedge volume resulting from both open- and closed-wedge HTO techniques remain unknown. We hypothesized that biplanar rather than uniplanar HTO better reflects the ideal geometrical requirements for bone healing, representing a large cancellous bone surface combined with a small wedge volume.

Methods

Tibial saw bones were assigned to 4 different groups of valgisation high tibial osteotomies: group 1: open-wedge uniplanar HTO; group 2: open-wedge biplanar HTO with ascending frontal cut; group 3: open-wedge biplanar HTO with descending frontal cut (retrotubercule osteotomy technique), and group 4: closed-wedge uniplanar HTO. Bone surface areas of all osteotomy planes were quantified. Wedge volumes were determined using a prism-based algorithm, applying standardized wedge heights of 5, 10, and 15 mm.

Results

The open-wedge biplanar osteotomy with a descending frontal cut (group 3) created significantly larger bone surfaces compared to the “classic” biplanar technique with an ascending frontal cut (group 2) and compared to all uniplanar techniques. Bone surfaces after the classic open-wedge technique (group 2) were slightly larger compared to all uniplanar techniques (group 1 and 4). No significant differences of wedge volumes were found between the retrotubercle (group 3) and classic open-wedge techniques (group 2). Wedge volumes were significantly higher in the uniplanar open-wedge technique (group 1) compared to the biplanar open-wedge techniques (group 2 and 3).

Conclusion

Bone geometry following HTO suggests that the biplanar open-wedge techniques simultaneously create smaller wedge volumes and larger bone surface areas compared to the uniplanar open-wedge techniques. The relatively neglected closed-wedge technique still offers in theory the best healing potential, characterized by an almost absent wedge volume and a large bone-to-bone contact area. Although this idealized geometric view on bony geometry excludes all biologic factors that influence bone healing, the current data suggest a general rule for the applied standard osteotomy techniques and all of their surgical modifications: reducing the amount of slow gap healing and simultaneously increasing the area of faster contact healing may be beneficial for osteotomy healing. Thus, a biplanar rather than a uniplanar osteotomy may be performed for high tibial osteotomy in clinical practice.     

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for symptomatic hyperextension-varus thrust

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome of opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in a young, active group of patients with instability rather than osteoarthritis. METHODS: The results of 17 opening wedge HTOs in 16 patients with a symptomatic hyperextension-varus thrust were evaluated. Functional results were evaluated according to the activity scoring system of Tegner and Lysholm and using a 5-point visual analogue scale to assess change in knee stability and satisfaction. Radiographs were analyzed to determine changes in femorotibial and mechanical axis alignment, tibial slope, and patellar height. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of 56 months. All patients had an increase in their activity score postoperatively. Nine patients rated their symptoms as significantly better and seven as somewhat better. All but one were satisfied with the surgery. Femorotibial axis alignment was changed to a mean of 6 degrees valgus, mechanical axis alignment was corrected to a mean of 46% toward the lateral compartment, posterior tibial slope was increased a mean of 8 degrees, and the ratio of patellar height was decreased a mean of 0.17. CONCLUSION: Opening wedge HTO can produce good functional and radiographic results in selected patients with a symptomatic thrust.     

Varus tibial osteotomy

Varus tibial osteotomy for early lateral compartment osteoarthritis is controversial because of the induced obliquity ofthe joint line. Many practitioners favor a femoral osteotomy, but both procedures can be criticized. A varus femoral osteotomy is efficient in extension, but at 90° of flexion it is inefficient, and we can observe an internal rotation of the epiphysis compared with the diaphysis. The tibial osteotomy is efficient both in flexion and extension but creates an oblique joint line. In our experience, we found that a varus tibial osteotomy can give good results in patients younger than age 60 with stable knees having an early lateral compartment localized at the peripheral rim in the meniscal area. The goal is to create a normal axis with no more than a 10° obliquity of the joint line. This value must be calculated preoperatively with regard to both femoral and tibial mechanical axis. The purpose of this report is to discuss the indications of a varus tibial osteotomy based on mechanical analysis and clinical experience. This type of intervention is oriented toward mild lateral compartment osteoarthritis. For the purpose of this report we have excluded both intraarticular and extraarticular malunion which are responsible for other specific problems.     

Chondral resurfacing and high tibial osteotomy in the varus knee

BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with degenerative knees and varus malalignment presents a difficult clinical problem. HYPOTHESIS: Combining a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with the microfracture chondral resurfacing procedure is a viable treatment option. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. METHODS: A group of 38 consecutive patients (mean age, 51.3 years; range, 34 to 72 years; 29 men and 10 women) with varus malalignment and chondral lesions who were treated with chondral resurfacing (an abrasion and microfracture technique) combined with a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. All patients had >5 degrees of varus malalignment. Patients were evaluated preoperatively with the Lysholm and Western Ontario & McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index scoring systems and at a minimum of 2 years follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-three of 38 patients (87%) were available for 2-year follow-up (average, 45 months; range, 24 to 80 months). Lysholm scores improved from a preoperative score of 43.5 to 78.0 at follow-up; Western Ontario & McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores improved from 45.8 to 16.2. The average Tegner score was 5.0. CONCLUSIONS: Combining a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with the microfracture chondral resurfacing procedure in the varus knee is an effective method of decreasing pain and increasing function at a minimum of 2 years follow-up.     

Patella infera or patellar tendon adherence after high tibial osteotomy

Purpose

Alterations in patellar height after high tibial osteotomy are found in many instances. Fibrosis of the tendon is implicated as the cause of the mechanism of patella lowering. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the position of the patella and the histopathological findings at the patellar tendon after high tibial osteotomy.

Methods

Nineteen knees in seventeen patients who were consecutively hospitalised for implant extraction are studied. All of the patients had previously undergone closing wedge osteotomy by the same surgeon at the same department. The median follow-up time is 15 months (range: 11–35). Five patients who all underwent high tibial osteotomy at the same time are also included in the study as a control group for histopathological evaluation. All of the patients are evaluated radiologically, patellar tendon biopsies are taken during the operation, and histopathological analyses are performed.

Results

The shortening of the patellar tendon is statistically significant (P < 0.05). The severity of the vascularisation, inflammation, and fibrotic change observed at the distal part of the tendon is evident. However, there is no statistically significant correlation between these findings and the degree of shortening.

Conclusions

The shortening of the tendon occurs as a result of adherence in the distal part of the tendon. It would appear that it is this shortening that causes the difficulties encountered during arthroplasty surgery of osteotomy patients, and not patella infera.

Level of evidence

Retrospective study, Level II.     

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: plate position and biomechanics of the medial tibial plateau

Purpose

To ascertain whether changing position and size of the spacer may modify the load and displacement of the tibial plateau when performing an opening wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Methods

Fifteen sawbones tibia models were used. In the axial plane, the anterior, medial, and posterior thirds of the tibial plateau were marked, and the medial and posterior thirds were called “point 1” and “point 2”, respectively. A 7.5-mm-stainless steel indenter was used to apply the load over these two points: the load applied to point 1 simulated the load to that site when the knee was extended, and the load to point 2 simulated the load to the same area when the knee was flexed. Maximum load (N) and displacement (mm) were calculated.

Results

The system was shown to withstand higher loads with less displacement when the plate was posterior than it could do with the plate in the middle position. Significant differences were also found when comparing the anterior and middle position of the plate with the greatest displacement when the plate was anterior. The differences were increased when comparing the anterior and posterior positions of the plate. No statistical differences (n.s.) were found when using different spacers. The maximum stiffness was achieved if the plate was posterior and in point 1 indenter position, in which the force vector stands on the points of the lateral and medial supports (Fμ = 198.8 ± 61.5 N). The lowest stiffness was observed when the plate was anterior, and the force was applied to point 2 (Fμ = 29.7 ± 5.1 N).

Conclusions

Application of the plate in a more posterior position provides greater stability.     

The effect of closed wedge high tibial osteotomy on tibial slope: a radiographic study

In recent years there has been a renewed interest in high tibial osteotomies (HTOs). The development of new instruments and better fixation devices has significantly simplified the surgical procedure. This technique is frequently used to correct alignment in the frontal plane. However, changes in the sagittal plane following closed wedge HTO have not been appropriately investigated. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate any possible alteration of the tibial slope introduced by closed wedge HTO. In addition, we also investigated whether there is a correlation between changes of the frontal plane and alteration of the tibial slope in the sagittal plane. In a retrospective study, radiographs of 67 patients (41 males, mean age 36.6 and 26 females, mean age 39.4 years) who underwent a closed wedge HTOs or removal of hardware for a previous HTO were reviewed.The frontal plane was corrected by a mean of 7.9° (6–14°). The mean posterior tibial slope on the preoperative images averaged 6.1° (0–12°). The postoperative radiographs demonstrated a significant (P=0.0001) decrease of the posterior tibial slope to a mean of 1.2°. The magnitude of HTO in the frontal plane had no significant effect (P=0.739) on the postsurgical posterior tibial slope in the sagittal plane.     

The correlation of correction magnitude and tibial slope changes following open wedge high tibial osteotomy

We investigated whether there is a correlation between coronal plane correction magnitude and tibial slope in patients treated with medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and also measured changes in patellar height. Thirty-four knees treated with for varus deformities were retrospectively reviewed and the follow-up period of the patients was averaged 24.1 months. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Insall–Salvati index, posterior tibial slope angle, mechanical axis deviation, proximal medial tibial angle (PMTA) was used to determine. All patients had a significant increase in their HSS score postoperatively (P < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between the differences in patellar heights (P = 0.368). The mechanical axis deviation was altered by a mean of 25.5 ± 10.9 mm and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean posterior tibial slope angle on preoperative radiographs was 9.0 ± 5.1°; on postoperative radiographs it was 11.7 ± 5.7° and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.007). Seventeen knees (50%) demonstrated postoperative posterior tibial slope angle increases; 7 knees (21%) had a decrease in this angle, while 10 knees (29%) showed no change. Statistical analyses revealed that the mechanical axis deviation was not correlated with change in tibial slope (P = 0.837). Although we could not find a correlation between tibial slope change and the amount of coronal correction, 50% of our patients demonstrated increased tibial slope.