Complications associated with opening wedge high tibial osteotomy--A review of the literature and of 15 years of experience

Satisfactory 10-year survivorship of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus alignment: An analysis from a high-volume institution

PURPOSE

Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) is a reliable joint-preserving surgical procedure for isolated medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) and overload. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survivorship and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing MOWHTO and to identify the risk factors associated with an increased risk of failure.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected patients who underwent MOWHTO for isolated medial OA and overload between 2002 and 2023. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Tegner activity score. Radiographic analysis included hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). Survivorship was intended from conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors, and p values < 0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Four hundred thirty-one patients who underwent MOWHTO were included for analysis. Males were 82.5%, and the mean age was 49.1 ± 8.0 years. The KOOS increased in any subsection at mean 5.7 ± 4.5 years of follow-up (p < 0.001). Complication rate was 35.9% and reoperation rate was 25.5% at mean 9.6 years of follow-up. Removal of metal hardware due to pain and/or discomfort was the main cause of reoperation in 22% of the patients. The cumulative rate of conversion to TKA at 5 years was 2.2%, at 10 years 17.8% and at 15 years 37.1%. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, p = 0.017), wedge thickness (OR: 1.08, p = 0.015), medial femoral condyle OA (OR: 3.41, p = 0.029), medial tibial plateau OA (OR: 2.04, p = 0.044), post-operative HKA (OR: 1.25, p = 0.031) and post-operative MPTA (OR: 1.26, p = 0.04) were associated with an increased risk of failure.

CONCLUSION

MOWHTO yields satisfactory 10-year survivorship in patients with medial compartment isolated knee OA and overload. Age, preoperative stage of OA, cartilage wear and post-operative alignment are relevant patient-related risk factors for reduced survivorship.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Comparison of clinical outcomes among patients treated with high tibial osteotomy and meniscal repair of degenerative medial meniscal tear with mild varus deformity

INTRODUCTION

The clinical benefits of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in patients with mild varus deformity with degenerative medial meniscal tear (DMMT) remain unclear. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes among middle-aged patients with mild varus deformity who underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair and HTO for DMMT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic meniscal repair via the inside-out technique and those who underwent medial opening-wedge HTO were assigned to group M and H, respectively. The inclusion criteria were: an age of 40-65 years; percentage of mechanical axis of 30-50% measured using full-length weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs; Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤ 2; minimum postoperative two-year follow-up; and HTO correction angle < 10°. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and minimal clinically important difference achievement rate for the KOOS subscales preoperatively and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

Group M and H included 21 and 41 patients, respectively. The median ages were 53 and 58 years in groups M and H, respectively. In group H, 24 cases underwent meniscal repair. No significant differences in all KOOS subscales were found preoperatively. However, the median KOOS symptoms subscale in group H (89.3) was significantly better than that in group M (80.4) at the final follow-up (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The main finding of the study indicated that KOOS symptoms after HTO were superior to those after isolated arthroscopic meniscal repair for DMMT. HTO might be a potentially useful treatment for DMMT in middle-aged patients with mild varus deformity, even with a small correction angle.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Conversion to Total Knee Arthroplasty After High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a treatment option for younger, active patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Clinical results of HTO have been shown to deteriorate over time despite initial satisfactory results, requiring patients to eventually undergo conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Evidence monitoring survivorship of HTO remains scarce and potentially outdated.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of concomitant cartilage repair procedures, conversion to TKA, and associated complications for HTO.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS from inception to July 18, 2023, for studies reporting on survivorship and associated complications after medial opening-wedge HTO. Pooled analysis of conversion to TKO was categorized as occurring at <5 years, 5 to 10 years, or >10 years postoperatively. Further subgrouping was performed on studies reporting on HTO with concomitant cartilage repair procedures.

Results

Overall, 59 studies comprising 5162 patients were included. Rates of conversion to TKA were 4.5% at <5 years, 8.3% at 5 to 10 years, and 11.2% at >10 years. When comparing patients with isolated HTO versus HTO with concomitant cartilage procedures (including mesenchymal stem cell augmentation, osteochondral allograft transplantation, microfracture, abrasion arthroplasty, and autologous chondrocyte implantation), there was no significant difference in survival rates at <5 years (relative risk, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.45-1.33]; P = .36) or 5 to 10 years (relative risk = 0.76 [95% CI, 0.32-1.83]; P = .55). The overall complication rate was 12.1%; intraoperative lateral hinge and tibial plateau fractures had pooled complication rates of 1.6% and 2.0%, respectively. The rate of nonunion was 1.7%, and pooled rates of superficial and deep infections were 2.6% and 2.0% respectively.

Conclusion

Rates of conversion to TKA and complications were low and acceptable, although survival rates decreased with time. Concomitant cartilage repair procedures as a whole did not significantly improve survivorship; however, more high-quality studies are warranted to determine the impact of individual concomitant cartilage repair procedures.

Comparison of the clinical and radiological outcomes of Puddu and TomoFix plates for medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: A two-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) requires fixation devices for stabilization of the osteotomy gap. The two most commonly used fixation devices are the Puddu and the TomoFix plates. Based on its design, each implant generates a characteristic stability profile. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to investigate the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes of OWHTO using the Puddu and TomoFix plating systems. We hypothesized that the TomoFix plate would achieve superior clinical and radiographic results compared to the Puddu plate.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients were randomly allocated to undergo OWHTO either using the Puddu plate or the TomoFix plate if conservative treatment failed with symptomatic medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) stage I or II according to Ahlbäck classification, and varus malalignment. All patients underwent clinical and radiological assessment preoperatively, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24months postoperatively. Radiological measurement of the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, and posterior tibial slope (PTS) was performed. Functional assessment was carried out using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee-Rating Scale (HSS) and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index. Patients were also evaluated for intraoperative and postoperative complications throughout the follow-up period.

RESULTS

The mean angular correction was 9.6±4°, and 10.5±4.8° in the Puddu and TomoFix groups, respectively (p=0.488). The mean PTS change was significantly higher in the Puddu group (3.4±1.1°) compared to the TomoFix group (0.8±0.7°) (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean HSS and WOMAC in both groups until one year postoperatively. Neither HSS nor WOMAC showed a statistically significant difference between the Puddu and TomoFix groups at any time during the first two postoperative years. The overall complication rate was not significantly different between the Puddu and TomoFix groups. However, the TomoFix group demonstrated higher incidence of symptomatic hardware (23% vs. 3.3%) and removal of metalwork (17% vs. 0%) than the Puddu group (p=0.023 and 0.020, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This RCT suggests that the implant choice for OWHTO has no significant impact on functional outcomes during the first 2years postoperatively. While the Puddu plate was associated with an unintentional increase in the PTS during the surgery, both implants allowed coronal and sagittal plane corrections to be preserved postoperatively. The overall complication rates were similar, but the TomoFix required more material to be removed because it is more cumbersome. However, these results need to be confirmed on a larger scale.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II; randomized controlled trial.

Comparative outcomes of proximal fibular osteotomy versus high tibial osteotomy in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective analysis

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a widely used procedure for delaying knee arthroplasty, correcting alignment, and relieving symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Recently, proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO) has emerged as a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative. This study compares the outcomes of HTO and PFO to evaluate whether PFO can deliver results comparable to HTO in similar patient populations. A total of 96 patients treated between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed, with 54 patients undergoing HTO and 42 undergoing PFO. Subgroups were also created based on body mass index (BMI): non-obese HTO, obese HTO, non-obese PFO, and obese PFO. For each patient, we recorded demographic data, preoperative and 1-year postoperative Oxford Knee Scores (OKS), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, medial joint space (MJS) measurements, mechanical axis deviations (MAD), Kellgren- Lawrence grade (KL), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and any complications. Both HTO and PFO led to significant improvements in OKS, VAS, MJS width, and MAD. Age, KL grade distribution, BMI, and MPTA values were comparable across the groups. Overall, HTO showed superior clinical (OKS, VAS) and radiological (MJS, MAD) outcomes, particularly in non-obese patients. Among obese patients, HTO and PFO achieved similar clinical improvements, although HTO maintained a radiological advantage. Importantly, a lower preoperative MPTA was associated with poorer clinical outcomes in the PFO group. In conclusion, while PFO can produce meaningful clinical and radiological improvements, HTO remains the more effective option in terms of both clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with a BMI below 30. For patients with a BMI over 30, HTO preserves its radiological superiority, although its clinical benefits are comparable to those of PFO. Additionally, a low preoperative MPTA is significantly linked to worse OKS scores in patients undergoing PFO.

Surgical strategy and complication management of osteotomy around the painful degenerative varus knee: ESSKA Formal Consensus Part II

PURPOSE

The purpose of the European consensus was to provide recommendations for the treatment of patients with a painful degenerative varus knee using a joint preservation approach. Part II focused on surgery, rehabilitation and complications after tibial or femoral correction osteotomy.

METHODS

Ninety-four orthopaedic surgeons from 24 countries across Europe were involved in the consensus, which focused on osteotomies around the knee. The consensus was performed according to the European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy consensus methodology. The steering group designed the questions and prepared the statements based on the experience of the experts and the evidence of the literature. The statements were evaluated by the ratings of the peer-review groups before a final consensus was released.

RESULTS

The ideal hinge position for medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW HTO) should be at the upper level of the proximal tibiofibular joint, and for lateral closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LCW DFO) just above the medial femoral condyle. Hinge protection is not mandatory. Biplanar osteotomy cuts provide more stability and quicker bony union for both MOW HTO and LCW DFO and are especially recommended for the latter. Osteotomy gap filling is not mandatory, unless structural augmentation for stability is required. Patient-specific instrumentation should be reserved for complex cases by experienced hands. Early full weight-bearing can be adopted after osteotomy, regardless of the technique. However, extra caution should be exercised in DFO patients. Osteotomy patients should return to sports within 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Clear recommendations for surgical strategy, rehabilitation and complications of knee osteotomies for the painful degenerative varus knee were demonstrated. In Part 2 of the consensus, high levels of agreement were reached by experts throughout Europe, under variable working conditions. Where science is limited, the collated expertise of the collaborators aimed at providing guidance for orthopaedic surgeons developing an interest in the field and highlighting areas for potential future research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, consensus.

Clinical outcome after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: comparison of double-triangle locking compression plate (DT-LCP) and T-shaped locking compression plate (T-LCP)

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of two internal fixation methods for high tibial osteotomy (HTO): double-triangle locking compression plate (DT-LCP) and T-shaped locking compression plate (T-LCP).

METHODS

202 adult patients in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2021 were included and followed up for at least one year: group 1(DT-LCP, 98 patients) and group 2 (T-LCP, 104 patients). Detailed information on demographics, preoperative and postoperative follow-up, surgical procedures, and complications were collected. The information of the International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were collected before surgery and at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients were included in the per-protocol analysis. No significant difference was found in terms of demographic data between groups, except for age and BMI. Clinically relevant improvements in knee pain were reached up to last follow-up after the operation in both groups. The mean pain scores (KOOS, WOMAC) at the final follow-up were significantly higher among group 1 compared to group 2 (P = 0.040 and P = 0.023). Furthermore, the DT-LCP internal fixation exerted more excellent effects on other symptoms, function and quality of life than T-LCP internal fixation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that DT-LCP provided better clinical performance due to its implant irritant pain, compared with T-LCP. Thus, DT-LCP is a feasible alternative for the fixation of OW-HTO.

Annual Trends of High Tibial Osteotomy: Analysis of an Official Registry in Italy

Background and Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis is a serious burden for modern countries. Timing of surgery and treatment choice are still a matter of controversy in the orthopedic literature. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the incidence and hospitalization trends of high tibial osteotomy in Italy from 2001 to 2016. Materials and Methods: Data are sourced from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) of the Italian Ministry of Health between 2001 and 2016. Results: A total of 34,402 high tibial osteotomies were performed over the study period in Italy. The cumulative incidence was 3.6 cases per 100,000 residents. The age classes 50-54, 55-59 showed the higher number of procedures. In pediatric patients (0-19 years), high tibial osteotomies are also largely performed. The majority of patients having surgery were men with a M/F ratio of 1.5. The mean age of patients was 44.2 ± 19.2 years. Males were significantly younger than females (43.3 ± 20.7 vs. 45.6 ± 17.7). The average length of hospitalization was 6.1 ± 7.3 days. Over the course of the analysis, a declining trend in hospital stay length was seen. The main primary diagnosis codes were "Varus knee" (736.42 ICD-9-CM code, 33.9%), "Osteoarthrosis, localized, primary, leg region" (715.16 ICD-9-CM code, 9.5%). Conclusions: Over the study period, high tibial osteotomies in Italy almost halved. Varus deformity and knee osteoarthritis are the leading causes requiring high tibial osteotomy. Except for the pediatric setting, results showed that from the 20-24 age class to the 50-54 age class, there was an increasing request for knee osteotomy, whereas in those aged >60 years, the incidence progressively decreased. The evident decline in HTO performed over the years in Italy seems to reflect a minor role for knee osteotomy in the management of knee OA, as it seems to be primarily reserved for younger male patients.

Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with and without bone void filler: Allograft leads to faster bone union and weight bearing with comparable return to work and sports rates

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical and radiological outcome of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) with allogenous bone chips to a control group without bone void filler. The focus was on the rates and timelines of return to work (RTW) and return to sports (RTS), given the significance of these factors for the satisfaction of young and active patients.

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-five cases of OWHTO (112 cases with allograft vs. 83 cases without graft) with a follow-up of 17 ± 4.8 months were included in this retrospective analysis. Various metrics were investigated, including time to return to full weight bearing, RTW and RTS rates and timelines, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score, Cincinnati-Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Centre Score and Tegner Score. The time to bone union was determined on radiographs taken at 6, 16, 28 and 53 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients returned to full weight bearing after 8.8 ± 4.8 weeks. RTW was possible for 92.8% after 13.7 ± 12.3 weeks. 96.2% returned to sports after 22.7 ± 8.3 weeks, but the number of disciplines and workouts per week diminished (p < 0.001, p = 0.006). A shift to low-impact and recreational sports was observed. Patients with allograft filling had earlier bone union (21 ± 12.3 vs. 31.9 ± 14.2 weeks, p < 0.001) and returned faster to full weight bearing (8.2 ± 4.5 vs. 9.8 ± 5 weeks, p = 0.013). There was no difference between groups in the IKDC Score (69 ± 17.2 vs. 69.9 ± 15.2, p = 0.834), Cincinnati-Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Centre Score (68 ± 18.3 vs. 69.4 ± 18.2, p = 0.698) and Tegner Score (3.8 ± 1.5 vs. 4 ± 1.5, p = 0.246).

CONCLUSION

Allograft filling leads to faster bone union and return to full weight bearing but showed no significant advantage in terms of RTW/RTS, overall patient satisfaction and functional scores. The decision for or against filling the osteotomy gap, therefore, remains a case-by-case decision.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective cohort study.

Implant Removal After Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Provides Implant-Related Pain Relief and Functional Improvement

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of implant-related pain after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) using a locking plate, to determine whether implant removal provides pain relief and functional improvement, and to evaluate bone healing and loss of correction after implant removal.

METHODS

Between March 2014 and September 2017, MOWHTO was performed without bone graft. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent implant removal after MOWHTO and were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Patients were evaluated for implant removal 1 and 2 years after surgery. Clinical and functional evaluations were conducted to investigate implant-related pain using the visual analog scale, Lysholm score, and Tegner score. The radiographic indices measured were the gap-filling rate, weightbearing line (WBL) ratio, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA).

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients were enrolled. Fifty-one (92.7%) patients experienced implant-related pain prior to implant removal, with 43 and 8 patients reporting mild pain and moderate pain, respectively. At 1 and 2 years after implant removal, mild pain occurred in 6 (10.9%) and 5 (9.1%) patients, respectively. The remaining patients reported no implant-related pain. Prior to implant removal and 1 year after implant removal, the Lysholm score improved from 77.0 ± 5.6 to 86.8 ± 5.7 (P < .001), and the Tegner score improved from 3.3 ± 1.2 to 3.9 ± 1.3 (P < .001). The mean gap-filling rate was 84.4% ± 9.6% at implant removal, and it significantly increased to 93.7% ± 5.4% and 97.4% ± 2.6% at 1 and 2 years after implant removal, respectively (P < .001). For the WBL ratio, HKAA, MPTA, and PTSA, no statistically significant differences were found after implant removal.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of implant-related pain after MOWHTO using the medial proximal tibial locking plate was high. Implant removal provides pain relief and functional improvement (met minimal clinically important differences). Even after implant removal, bone healing progressed gradually without a loss of correction in all patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Vascular injury during lateral close-wedge distal femoral osteotomy: A case report and review of surgical principles

INTRODUCTION

Knee malalignment can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Osteotomies can correct limb deformities, but they come with the risk of complications such as cortical hinge fracture, hardware failure, pain syndrome, and infection. Vascular injury is rare, but it can lead to bleeding, limb ischemia, and swelling. If revascularization is delayed for over 12 h, it can result in poor outcomes. The work has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria.

CASE

A 41-year-old female underwent a lateral close-wedge distal femoral osteotomy. Postoperatively, no distal pulse was detected. An emergency vascular surgery consultation revealed popliteal vein penetration and popliteal artery thrombosis, probably during pin penetration. Revascularization was performed, and the patient was discharged without complications. At the three-year follow-up, the patient was in good health and without complications.

DISCUSSION

Knowledge of the femoral artery and vein's proximity to the apex of the wedge is crucial in lateral close wedge distal femoral osteotomy. Despite vascular injury with an oscillating saw, it can happen during guide pin insertion. Although Intraoperative massive bleeding can show vascular injury, lack of it was not a protective factor.

CONCLUSION

During the process of pin insertion, it is important to ensure that the pin's orientation is directly lateral to the medial. This should be checked using the C-Arm by obtaining AP, Lat, and Oblique views. To check for intraoperative bleeding, the tourniquet should be deflated. Once the procedure is complete, it is important to check for any vascular injury by examining distal pulses and limb perfusion carefully, particularly in the recovery room.

Topical Use of Low-dose Tranexamic Acid Has no Effect on Drainage Volume after Medial Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Case Control Study

OBJECTIVE

Many studies reported that tranexamic acid (TXA) was effective in reducing surgical blood loss in the perioperative period of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). However, few studies focused on the simple topical use of TXA in MOWHTO, and the modality and dosage of topical use of TXA varied. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of topical use of low-dose TXA on drainage volume after MOWHTO, and to analyze the related influencing factors.

METHODS

Data of patients who underwent MOWHTO combined with arthroscopic knee surgery in our department from January 2019 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 105 patients (38 males and 67 females, aged 57.7 ± 7.5 years) were included in this study who received topical TXA or no TXA. The patients were divided into three groups: control group (39 cases), 0.5 g TXA group (40 cases), 1 g TXA group (26 cases). Postoperative drainage volume, wound healing, incidence of hematoma and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were observed and analyzed in the three groups. The effects of gender, hypertension and diabetes on postoperative drainage volume were analyzed using a t-test. The correlation between age, body mass index (BMI), osteotomy gap and postoperative drainage volume were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The average postoperative drainage volume of the control group was 259.54 ± 226.33 mL, that of the 0.5 g TXA group was 277.18 ± 177.68 mL, and that of the 1 g TXA group was 229.15 ± 219.93 mL. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative drainage volume among the three groups (F = 0.423, p = 0.656). There was no local hematoma and wound infection in the three groups. The wound fat liquefaction was found in one patient of the control group. The incidence of DVT was 38.9% (7/18) and 57.1% (8/14) in the control group and 0.5 TXA group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DVT between the above two groups (p = 0.476). The average postoperative drainage volume of male patients in the three groups was higher than that of female patients, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between age, BMI, osteotomy gap and postoperative drainage volume in the three groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topical use of low-dose TXA has no significant effect on drainage volume after MOWHTO. The drainage volume after MOWHTO in male patients was more than that in female patients. Topical administration of low-dose TXA does not increase postoperative complications, such as DVT and hematoma.

Clinical Use of Tranexamic Acid in High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) can cause postoperative hemorrhage. The use of tranexamic acid to reduce the hemorrhage is still controversial.

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in HTO.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the authors conducted a comprehensive search of the Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Foreign Medical Literature Retrieval Service databases between their inception and January 1, 2023. All clinical studies comparing the use of tranexamic acid versus no tranexamic acid during HTO were collected. The primary outcome measures were hemoglobin decrease, drainage volume, and blood loss, and the secondary outcome measures were wound complications, blood transfusion, and postoperative thrombosis. All indicators were analyzed using meta-analysis software. Results were reported as mean differences or risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Of 152 initial results, 9 studies involving 908 patients were included. The tranexamic acid group had lower indicators for total blood loss, hemoglobin decrease, and total drainage volume (P < .00001 for all). There were no differences between patients with versus without tranexamic acid in wound complications, including hematoma (P = .21) or infection (P = .18), nor were there any group differences in the prevalence of blood transfusion (P = .21) or postoperative thrombosis (P = .36).

Conclusion

Tranexamic acid was able to effectively reduce postoperative hemorrhage in patients undergoing HTO without affecting the rates of wound complications, blood transfusion, or postoperative thrombosis.

Comparison of different degrees of varus deformity correction with open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a retrospective study over 5 years

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and complications associated with open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) in the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, the compensatory changes in the hip, patellofemoral, and ankle regions will be assessed through imaging.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of clinical data pertaining to 86 patients who underwent OWHTO at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2015 to September 2018 was conducted. The weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) was measured postoperatively, and patients were categorized into a normal group (50% < WBLR ≤ 62.5%, n = 67) and an overcorrection group (WBLR > 62.5%, n = 19). Various parameters, including hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS), were measured before surgery and at the last follow-up to assess lower limb line correction. The compensatory changes in adjacent joints were evaluated by measuring hip abductor angle (HAA), tibial plafond inclination (TPI), talus inclination angle (TIA), Carton-Deschamps index, lateral patellar tilt (LPT), lateral patellar shift (LPS), medial patellofemoral space, and lateral patellofemoral space in both groups. The American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) of the affected knee were assessed before surgery and at the last follow-up, and the incidence of complications in both groups was analyzed.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications occurred in 26.32% (five cases) of the overcorrection group and 5.97% (four cases) of the normal group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 4.548, p = 0.033). No significant differences were observed in HSS and WOMAC between the two groups at the last follow-up. HAA was - 2.44 ± 1.98° in the overcorrection group and - 1.16 ± 2.1° in the normal group, with a statistically significant difference (t = 2.32, p = 0.023). There were no significant differences in other imaging indexes.

CONCLUSION

Overcorrection of varus deformity may not significantly impact clinical outcomes within 5 years post-OWHTO but may elevate the incidence of postoperative complications and lead to increased compensatory adduction of the hip.

Comparison of short-term clinical outcomes between open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and tibial condylar valgus osteotomy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare radiological features and short-term clinical outcomes between open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (TCVO), to provide information facilitating decision-making regarding those two procedures.

METHODS

Twenty-seven cases involving 30 knees that had undergone OWHTO (HTO group) and eighteen cases involving 19 knees that had undergone TCVO (TCVO group) for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) were retrospectively evaluated. Patient characteristics, severity of knee OA, lower limb alignment, joint congruity and instability were measured from standing full-length leg and knee radiographs obtained before and 1 year after surgery. Range of motion in the knee joint was measured and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was obtained to evaluate clinical results preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean age was significantly higher in the TCVO group than in the HTO group. Radiological features in the TCVO group included greater frequencies of advanced knee OA, varus lower limb malalignment, higher joint line convergence angle, and varus-valgus joint instability compared to the HTO group before surgery. However, alignment of the lower limb and joint instability improved to comparable levels after surgery in both groups. Maximum flexion angles were significantly lower in the TCVO group than in the HTO group both pre- and postoperatively. Mean values in all KOOS subscales recovered similarly after surgery in both groups, although postoperative scores on three subscales (Symptom, Pain, and ADL) were lower in the TCVO group (Symptom: HTO, 79.0; TCVO, 67.5; Pain: HTO, 80.5; TCVO, 71.1; ADL: HTO, 86.9; TCVO, 78.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Both osteotomy procedures improved short-term clinical outcomes postoperatively. TCVO appears preferable in cases of advanced knee OA with incongruity and high varus-valgus joint instability. An appropriate choice of osteotomy procedure is important to obtain favorable clinical outcomes.

Effect of hardware removal and second-look arthroscopy after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy

INTRODUCTION

Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is the standard and safe procedure for medial compartment osteoarthritis. Although hardware removal (HWR) is performed after post-OWHTO bone union, the effects of HWR on OWHTO have been rarely reported. We hypothesised that HWR would improve range of motion (ROM) and implant-related complications. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of HWR on postoperative ROM, the Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score/visual analogue scale (VAS) score and hardware-related complications after OWHTO.

METHODS

Patients who underwent OWHTO between January 2016 and June 2018 and HWR were retrospectively reviewed. To perform OWHTO, locking plates and prosthetic bone were used to achieve optimal stabilisation of biplanar osteotomy. HWR was performed after a second-look arthroscopy through the previous skin incision. For clinical evaluation, the JOA score, VAS score, and ROM were assessed before and 1 year after HWR using the Wilcoxon rank test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of post-HWR improvement.

RESULTS

Of 98 knees examined (91 patients), 80 (73 patients; 39 men and 34 women) were included. At the time of OWHTO, mean age was 64.0 ± 9.7 years and body mass index, 25.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2; Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 1 was seen in 20 cases, KL-2 in 46, and KL-3 in 14. Mean periods between OWHTO and HWR were 13.4 ± 2.0 months, and 11.9 ± 1.2 months between HWR and evaluation. The JOA score and flexion angle significantly improved after HWR (The JOA score: p = 0.026 flexion angle: p < 0.001); however, the VAS score and extension angle did not (VAS score: p = 0.162, extension angle: p = 0.934). Hardware irritation was observed in four cases (5%), which improved after HWR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower preoperative KL grade and flexion angle were predictors of improvement after HWR [KL grade: p = 0.008; odds ratio 3.244, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.350-7.794; flexion angle: p < 0.001; odds ratio 1.150, 95% CI 1.062-1.245].

CONCLUSION

HWR improves flexion angle, clinical outcomes and hardware-related complications after OWHTO. Preoperative KL grade and flexion angle are predictors of improvement after HWR in patients who have undergone OWHTO.

Incidence of Complications and Revision Surgery After High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a well-recognized procedure for its effectiveness in treating symptomatic early knee arthritis and malalignment. Although there are numerous systematic reviews evaluating the management and outcomes after HTO, there are few investigations on complications of this procedure.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to determine the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with medial opening wedge and lateral closing wedge HTOs.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases were queried for studies reporting complications associated with HTO with or without concomitant procedures. Data including patient characteristics, procedure type, concomitant procedures, follow-up time, and postoperative imaging were extracted. Rates of intra- and postoperative complications, reoperations, and conversion to arthroplasty were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 71 studies were included for analysis, comprising 7836 patients. The overall intraoperative complication rate during HTO was 5.5% (range, 0%-29.3%), and the overall postoperative complication rate was 6.9% (range, 0%-26.6%). The most common intraoperative complication was lateral hinge fracture (incidence, 9.1%; range, 0%-30.4%) in medially based HTOs and peroneal nerve injury in laterally based HTOs (incidence, 3.2%; range, 0%-8.7%). The overall incidence of neurovascular injury after medially or laterally based HTOs was 1.1% (range, 0%-18.9%). The most common postoperative complication was superficial infection (incidence, 2.2%; range, 0%-13%). Of the included studies, 62 included postoperative radiographic analysis, and among those, the incidence of nonunion was 1.9% (range, 0%-15.5%), loss of correction was 1.2% (range, 0%-34.3%), and implant failure was 1.0% (range, 0%-10.2%). Among studies reporting revision surgeries, the overall reoperation rate was 15.5% (range, 0%-70.7%), with the most common type of reoperation being hardware removal (incidence, 10.0%; range, 0%-60%).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperatively, medially based HTOs are associated with a 1 in 11 risk of lateral hinge fracture and laterally based HTOs with a 1 in 30 risk of peroneal nerve injury. Postoperative complication rates in the range of 10% to 15% can be expected, including infection (2.9%), loss of correction (1.2%), and nonunion (1.9%). Patients should also be counseled that the reoperation rate is approximately 15%, with hardware removal being the most common procedure.

Risk Factors and Dynamic Nomogram Development for Surgical Site Infection Following Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Varus Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

As the worldwide population ages, the population receiving open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is growing, and surgical site infection (SSI) is a rare but fatal surgical complication. This study aimed to identify risk factors independently associated with SSI following OWHTO and develop a predictive nomogram.

Methods

Clinical data of patients who received OWHTO and followed up for more than 12 months in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine independent risk factors for SSI and to construct predictive nomograms. The study further illustrated the predictive performance of the model by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

A total of 1294 eligible patients were included in the study. Multivariate analysis revealed tobacco consumption (OR=3.44, p=0.010), osteotomy size ≥12 mm (OR=3.3, p=0.015), the use of allogeneic bone or artificial bone graft substitutes (allogeneic bone vs none, OR=4.08, p=0.037; artificial bone vs none, OR=5.16, p=0.047), Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade IV (OR=2.5, p=0.046), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) >423.62 (OR=6.2, p<0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HCRP) >2.6 mg/L (OR=2.42, p=0.044), and a higher level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (OR=1.32, p=0.022) were the independent predictors of SSI. The cutoff score of the model was 148, with a sensitivity of 76.0% and specificity of 81.0%. The concordance index (C-index) and Brier score of the nomogram were 0.856 and 0.017, and the corrected values after 1000 bootstrapping validations were 0.820 and 0.018, respectively. Furthermore, the ROC curve, calibration curve, and DCA exhibited excellent predictive accuracy and clinical applicability of the model.

Conclusion

This study developed a dynamic nomogram based on seven predictors, which allowed surgeons to individualize risk stratification of patients and intervene promptly to reduce SSI rates.

A systematic approach to managing complications after proximal tibial osteotomies of the knee

Proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) is an effective procedure for active and young adult patients with symptomatic unicompartmental osteoarthritis and malalignment. They were considered technically demanding and prone to various complications related to the surgical technique, biomechanical or biological origin. Among the most important are hinge fractures and delayed or non-healing, neurovascular complications, loss of correction, implant-related problems, patellofemoral complaints, biological complications and changes in limb length. Being aware of these problems can help minimizing their prevalence and improve the results of the procedure.The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the potential complications that may occur during and after proximal tibial osteotomies, their origin and ways to prevent them.

A simple formula to control posterior tibial slope during proximal tibial osteotomies

BACKGROUND

High tibial osteotomy surgery is a widely successful joint-preserving procedure which alters the hip-knee-ankle axis which can delay the progression of osteoarthritis; however, conventional osteotomy surgical procedures do not adequately control the posterior tibial slope. This study aimed to determine the key variables influencing posterior tibial slope during high tibial osteotomy and provide a simple means of implementing the findings during pre-operative planning.

METHODS

A virtual cohort of twenty-eight proximal tibia geometries of knee osteoarthritis patients was used in the study. Firstly, absolute posterior tibial slope values were contrasted using anatomical and posterior mechanical axis measurement approaches. Secondly, the influence of variables affecting posterior tibial slope change during osteotomy surgery was investigated using 3D preoperative planning surgical simulation and analytical modelling.

FINDINGS

There was a poor correlation (R2 = 0.38) between the different clinical measurements of posterior tibial slope; with an average of 7.0 ± 1.3° and 14.8 ± 2.2° respectively. An analytical solution for the change in posterior tibial slope was derived based on the hinge axis angle and the osteotomy opening angle. For three different opening angles (6°, 9° and 12°) and seven different hinge axis orientations (-30° to +30°), the results obtained were identical for the analytical model and the 3D preoperative planning.

INTERPRETATION

This study determined that the key variables affecting posterior tibial slope during high tibial osteotomy are the osteotomy opening angle and the hinge axis orientation. The derived formula provides a simple means of determining the change in posterior tibial slope resulting from a particular surgical approach.

Management of medial femorotibial osteoarthritis: Epidemiology, and survival of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty versus valgus high tibial osteotomy in France. Study of 108,007 cases from the French National Hospitals Database

INTRODUCTION

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) are two options for isolated medial femorotibial osteoarthritis in genu varum. In the absence of registries for osteotomies and for arthroplasty in the knee, epidemiological data are hard to obtain in France. We therefore performed a retrospective study, with the aims of: 1) estimating UKA and HTO survival without revision by total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and 2) assessing risk factors for revision according to treatment group.

HYPOTHESIS

Medium-term survival is better with HTO than UKA in under-70-year-olds.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

All elderly patients undergoing HTO or UKA in the French National Hospitals Database for the period 2011-2020 were included: i.e., 108,007 patients; 43,537 HTO (29,330 male, 14,207 female; mean age 49.7 years, 95% CI 49.6-49.8) and 64,470 UKA (31,181 male, 33,289 female; mean age 60.5 years, 95% CI 60.5-60.6).

RESULTS

Survival free of revision by TKA was 75.8% (95% CI=75.2-76.4) for UKA and 80.6% (95% CI=80.0-81.3) for HTO (p<0.00001). In UKA, revision risk factors comprised: low annual center volume (<17 UKAs per year) (HR=1.50; 95% CI=1.41-1.59), obesity (HR=1.25; 95% CI=1.18-1.32), and age <60years, with maximum risk for 50-59years (HR=2.41; 95% CI=1.83-3.16 in 50-59 year-olds). In HTO, revision risk factors comprised: obesity (HR=1.42; 95% CI=1.31-1.53), rheumatoid arthritis (HR=2.75; 95% CI=1.37-5.51), joint chondrocalcinosis (HR=2.01; 95% CI=1.18-3.39), and age >60years (HR=8.81; 95% CI=7.23-19.73 in 60-69-year-olds). Male gender was a protective factor against revision in both groups: UKA, HR=0.75 (95% CI=0.72-0.79); HTO, HR=0.73 (95% CI=0.69-0.77). The number of UKAs increased over the years, matching the increase in arthroplasty in France, with a decrease in HTOs until 2019.

CONCLUSION

HTO showed better medium-term survival than UKA in under-70-year-olds in France. Even so, indications decreased in favor of UKA, although the respective risk factors differ. These findings suggest that conservative surgery still has a role, depending on osteoarthritis stage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective comparative study.

Fixation method can affect posterior tibial slope in opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Posterior tibial slope (PTS) alterations following open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) can cause instability and excessive tibial translation in the sagittal plane. These changes can be influenced by the type of fixation. This study aims to compare PTS changes between patients undergoing OWHTO with Puddu plate or TomoFix plate fixation.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 104 knees from 85 patients undergoing OWHTO, with a mean age of 41.98 ± 9.95 years; 51.8% of the participants were male. Seventy-two knees were fixed with Puddu plates, while 32 knees were fixed with TomoFix plates. PTS changes, demographic factors, Cincinnati Knee Rating Score (CKRS), Tegner-Lysholm score (TLS), length of stay (LOS), and complications were evaluated. PTS changes were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Demographic factors were similar between the Puddu plate and TomoFix groups. There were no significant differences in preoperative, postoperative, or follow-up PTS measurements between the two groups. PTS changes were not significant in the TomoFix group postoperatively or at follow-up. However, the Puddu plate group showed a significant increase in PTS both postoperatively (P = 0.027) and at follow-up (P = 0.014). CKRS, TLS, LOS, and complications did not significantly differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

While overall PTS changes did not significantly differ between the Puddu Plate and TomoFix Plate groups, analyzing changes within each group revealed distinct results. TomoFix fixation exhibited nonsignificant PTS changes, while Puddu plate fixation resulted in a significant increase in PTS after surgery and at the 6-month follow-up. Our findings suggest that the choice of fixation may influence PTS changes after OWHTO.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Development of an educational three-dimensional anatomical structure replication tool and its application to medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy

BACKGROUND

With the standardization of surgical techniques and continuous development of plate fixators, medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) has become an option for the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis. However, it is also associated with several complications. To reduce the risk of these complications, it is essential for surgeons to accurately understand the three-dimensional (3D) anatomical structures, including the surroundings of the surgical field. Gross dissection using a cadaver provides a large surgical field and is the best learning method for studying anatomical structures in three dimensions; however, it is not available at all medical institutions.

METHODS

One female cadaveric knee, fixed using the Thiel method, was used in this study, and OWHTO was performed. A series of photographs was taken from approximately 60 different angles at each stage of the autopsy for digital photogrammetry to ensure that there was at least a 60% overlap between photographs.

RESULTS

Each 3D object was created to be faithful to the original specimen and displayed on an augmented reality headset. It was created to capture the subtle nuances of irregular shapes and structures, highlighting the unique ability of photogrammetry to capture pathology. This method allows surgeons to visualize the location of neurovascular injuries in the intraoperative field of view.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a technique that applies digital photogrammetry to create 3D objects from handheld photographs, this reports for the first time an educational tool that can reproduce the anatomy related to high tibial osteotomy in three dimensions.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of medial opening-wedge monoplanar and biplanar high tibial osteotomy using a triangular allograft impaction technique: A retrospective single centre study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to research the clinical and radiological outcomes between monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy. We hypothesized that there would be no differences between both techniques when using a triangular allograft impaction technique.

METHODS

A single-centre, observational, retrospective study was conducted on 103 opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy patients from January 2017 to September 2019. Data collection, NRS and KOOS-PS, was performed preoperatively, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. Radiological assessment (Kellgren-Lawrence, mechanical femoral-tibial angle, posterior tibial slope angle, lateral patellar tilt, patellar height) was performed on standing radiographs.

RESULTS

In total 32 patients were included in the biplanar group and 71 patients in the monoplanar group. NRS and KOOS-PS scores improved significantly (p < 0.001) in time for both groups from baseline to 3 m PO and further to 1 year postoperatively. Our results showed no differences in radiological outcomes such as patellar height, LPT and posterior tibial slope angle. The monoplanar group did have more Takeuchi I and III fractures and a higher mFTA angle without clinical repercussion.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a triangular allograft impaction technique for monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy gives no differences in clinical (NRS and KOOS) and radiological outcomes. Although a difference in Takeuchi fractures was found for monoplanar patients, no additional fixation was necessary, nor did clinical complications occur. We can conclude that triangular allograft impaction technique creates a stable construct and standardizes the healing procedure postoperatively for both monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Effect of Patient Age on Clinical and Radiological Outcomes After Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Comparative Study With 344 Knees

Background

There exists some controversy regarding whether patient age is a predictive factor for outcomes after high tibial osteotomy (HTO).

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether patient age affects clinical and radiological outcomes after medial open-wedge HTO (OWHTO) in a large population with a wider age range than previous studies. It was hypothesized that there would be no differences in outcomes when compared across age-groups.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A retrospective comparative study was conducted using 344 patients (303 knees) who underwent OWHTO from 2009 to 2018. These patients were divided into 3 groups based on age at the time of surgery: ≥55 years (group Y: 76 knees in 57 patients), 56 to 64 years (group M: 129 knees in 120 patients), and ≤65 years (group O: 139 knees in 126 patients). Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed immediately before surgery and at the final follow-up period, at a mean of 5.1 years (range, 3-11 years). Comparisons among the 3 groups were conducted with 1-way analysis of variance for continuous variables. When a significant result was obtained, a post hoc test with Bonferroni correction was conducted for multiple comparisons.

Results

In clinical evaluations, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups either preoperatively or postoperatively concerning the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, the Lysholm score, or the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), with the exception of the preoperative KOOS Symptoms subscale, which was significantly higher in group Y versus group O (48.9 ± 18.7 vs 58.7 ± 15.4, respectively; P = .011). The Tegner activity score was significantly different among the groups, both preoperatively and postoperatively (P < .001 for both). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of complications or the survival rate at final follow-up among the 3 groups.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that patient age does not affect clinical and radiological outcomes after OWHTO.

Continuous Intravenous Ketamine for Pain Control After Tibial or Femoral Osteotomy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this case series is to evaluate the potential of continuous intravenous ketamine administration as part of a multimodal strategy to reduce opioid requirements after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and distal femoral osteotomy (DFO).

METHODS

We examined the average postoperative numerical rating scale pain intensity score from admission to the postanesthesia care unit to 8 am of the first postoperative day of four patients who underwent HTO or DFO. Pain scores were analyzed as the time-weighted sum of pain intensity differences using the trapezoidal rule of the curve, resulting in an area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Patient A had an AUC of 2,828 over 1,180 minutes with an average pain score of 2.4/10. Patient B had an AUC of 1,418 over 1,285 minutes with an average pain score of 1.1/10. Patient C had an AUC of 4,217 over 1,155 minutes with an average pain score of 3.7/10. Patient D had an AUC of 4,498 over 1,030 minutes with an average pain score of 4.4/10. All were able to go home on postoperative day 1.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel perioperative pain pathway including multiple non-opioid pain adjuncts and a low-dose continuous ketamine infusion is an effective method for pain management in knee periarticular osteotomies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4; Case Series.

Removal Rate of the Tomofix ® System after High Tibial Osteotomy is Higher Than Reported

Objective  Medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) significantly relieves pain in the medial joint line in medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. But some patients complain of pain over the pes anserinus even 1 year after the osteotomy, which may require implant removal for relief. This study aims to define the implant removal rate after MOWHTO due to pain over the pes anserinus. Methods  One hundred and three knees of 72 patients who underwent MOWHTO for medial compartment osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2018 were enrolled in the study. Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), Oxford knee score (OKS), and visual analogue score (VAS) were assessed for pain in the medial knee joint line (VAS-MJ) preoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and yearly thereafter; adding VAS for pain over the pes anserinus (VAS-PA). Patients with VAS-PA ≥ 40 and adequate bony consolidation after 12 months were recommended implant removal. Results  Thirty-three (45.8%) of the patients were male and 39 (54.2%) were female. The mean age was 49.4 ± 8.0 and the mean body mass index was 27.0 ± 2.9. The Tomofix medial tibial plate-screw system (DePuy Synthes, Raynham, MA, USA) was used in all cases. Three (2.8%) cases with delayed union requiring revision were excluded. The KOOS, OKS, and VAS-MJ significantly improved 12 months after MOWHTO. The mean VAS-PA was 38.3 ± 23.9. Implant removal for pain relief was needed in 65 (63.1%) of the103 knees. The mean VAS-PA decreased to 4.5 ± 5.6 3 months after implant removal ( p  < 0.0001). Conclusion  Over 60% of the patients may need implant removal to relieve pain over the pes anserinus after MOWHTO. Candidates for MOWHTO should be informed about this complication and its solution.

Efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid administration in medial opening-wedge distal tibial tuberosity osteotomy (MOWDTO) for varus knee osteoarthritis: a randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

This randomized controlled study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) administration in reducing perioperative blood loss in patients undergoing medial opening-wedge distal tibial tuberosity osteotomy (MOWDTO). It was hypothesized that TXA would reduce perioperative blood loss in MOWDTO.

METHODS

A total of 61 knees in 59 patients who underwent MOWDTO during the study period were randomly assigned to either of the groups with intravenous TXA administration (TXA group) or without TXA administration (control group). In the TXA group, patients received 1000 mg of TXA intravenously before skin incision and 6 h after the first dose. The primary outcomes was the volume of perioperative total blood loss which calculated using the blood volume and hemoglobin (Hb) drop. The Hb drop was calculated as the difference between preoperative Hb and postoperative Hb at days 1, 3, and 7.

RESULTS

The perioperative total blood loss was significantly lower in the TXA group (543 ± 219 ml vs. 880 ± 268 ml, P < 0.001). The Hb drop was significantly lower at postoperative days 1, 3 and 7 in the TXA group than in the control group (day 1: 1.28 ± 0.68 g/dl vs. 1.91 ± 0.69 g/dl, P = 0.001; day 3: 1.54 ± 0.66 g/dl vs. 2.69 ± 1.00 g/dl, P < 0.001; day 7: 1.74 ± 0.66 g/dl vs. 2.83 ± 0.91 g/dl, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous TXA administration in MOWDTO could reduce the perioperative blood loss. Trial registration The study was approved by the institutional review board. (Registered on 26/02/2019 Registration Number 3136). Level of Evidence Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Superior survivorship and plate-related results of TomoFix compared to Puddu plate fixation for opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: A systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

This systematic review aimed to compare survivorship and plate-related results of Puddu and TomoFix plates in opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched from January 2000 until September 2021 for clinical studies involving patients with medial compartment knee disease and varus deformity undergoing OWHTO using the Puddu or TomoFix plating systems. We extracted survival data, plate-related complications, and functional and radiological outcomes. The risk of bias assessment had been carried out using Cochrane Collaboration's quality assessment tool for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included. The total number of knees was 2568 in 2372 patients. The Puddu plate was used in 677 knees, while the TomoFix plate was used in 1891. The follow-up ranged from 5.8 to 147.6 months. Both plating systems were able to delay conversion to arthroplasty at different follow-up intervals. However, osteotomies fixed by the TomoFix plate achieved higher survival rates, especially at mid-term and long-term follow-ups. In addition, fewer complications were reported with the TomoFix plating system. Although both implants achieved satisfactory functional outcomes, high scores could not be maintained throughout long-term intervals. Regarding radiological results, TomoFix plate was able to achieve and maintain larger degrees of varus deformity, while preserving the posterior tibial slope.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrated the superiority of the TomoFix over the Puddu system as a safer and more effective fixation device in OWHTO. Nevertheless, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of comparative evidence through high-quality RCTs.

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: Planning and improving outcomes: Case series and literature review

Background

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is a safe surgical procedure to treat medial compartmental osteoarthritis caused by a varus deformity. Over-correction of this varus deformity can lead to lateral compartment over-loading. In our study, we planned our correction by using the mechanical axis deviation (MAD).

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of OWHTO based on planning using the MAD measurements.

Study Design

Retrospective Case Series.

Methods

14 patients with Kellgren- Lawrence classification (KL) grade 3 or above underwent OWHTO, with plans to have the mechanical axis pass through 5-15 mm lateral to the center of the tibial plateau. Pre-operative and post-operative radiographic measurements were made and compared using the student t-test. SF-36 scores were obtained for clinical performance.

Results

Our patients experienced MAD from 25.9 mm medial to the center of the tibial plateau pre-operatively to 12.7 mm lateral to the center of the plateau post-operatively. The mean change in MAD was 38.7 mm (p < 0.0001). The accuracy of our correction compared to the planned MAD was 98.3%. The mechanical axis angle shifted from 7.35° of varus to 3.5° of valgus (p < 0.0001). All patients had post-operative alignments of 1-6° of valgus, with 11 of out the 14 patients with alignments less than 5° of valgus, preventing over-loading of the lateral compartment.

Conclusion

Using MAD measurements is an accurate planning method for OWHTO that corrects varus deformity without over-loading the lateral compartment, and leads to improved clinical outcomes.

Analysis of popliteal artery location for high tibial and distal tuberosity osteotomy using contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Background

Our objective was to evaluate the location of popliteal artery (PA) in osteotomy planes during high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and to determine a safer angle for screw drilling to the tibial tuberosity during distal tuberosity osteotomy (DTO).

Methods

Twenty knees in 20 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography for cardiovascular diseases were examined. Osteotomy planes for open-wedge HTO (OWHTO) and hybrid closed-wedge HTO (hybrid CWHTO) were created using three-dimensional bone models. The distance from the posterior cortex of the tibia to the PA (dPC-PA) in the osteotomy planes was measured in the virtual osteotomy planes. The dangerous point (Point D1) was defined as the point 17.5 mm away from PA, setting the working length of the bone saw as 35 mm. The distance between the most medial point of the tibial cortex (Point M) and Point D1 in OWHTO and the most lateral point (Point L) and Point D1 in hybrid CWHTO were examined (dM-D1 and dL-D1, respectively). The location of Point D1 to the osteotomy line (%D1) was expressed as percentage, setting the start and end of the osteotomy line as 0% and 100%, respectively. To determine the safe angle for screw drilling in DTO, the angle between the line tangential to the medial cortex of the tibia and that passing through the center of the tibial tuberosity and PA were measured.

Results

In OWHTO and hybrid CWHTO, the mean dPC-PA was 10.6 mm (6.9–16.5 mm) and 10.2 mm (7.3–15.4 mm), respectively. The mean dM-D1 in OWHTO was 25.9 mm (24.6–27.2 mm) and dL-D1 in hybrid CWHTO was 5.1 mm (2.9–7.4 mm). The mean %D1 was 47.6 ± 3.7% in OWHTO and 9.3 ± 4.1% in hybrid CWHTO, respectively. The minimal angle between the two lines in DTO was 35.2°.

Conclusion

PAs could run within 10 mm from the posterior cortex in the osteotomy planes of HTO. Therefore, proper posterior protection is necessary when cutting posterior cortex. An angle of less than 35° against the medial cortex line would be safe for screw fixation to avoid vascular injury in DTO.

Complications after high tibial osteotomy and distal femoral osteotomy are associated with increasing medical comorbidities and tobacco use

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess complications, reoperations, and their risk factors at 90 days and 2 years after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) in a national cohort.

METHODS

The PearlDiver Mariner Dataset was queried using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for HTO and DFO, complications, and subsequent surgery. Minimum follow-up was 2 years and complications were assessed at 90 days and 2 years. Hospital readmission in the first 90 days was also assessed. Univariate and multiple logistic regression were utilized to identify risk factors for complications and re-operation.

RESULTS

The 90-day and 2-year complication rates after HTO (n = 1780) were 11.6% and 31.7%, compared to 21.5% (p < 0.0001) and 41.5% (p = 0.0001) after DFO (n = 446). Infection was the most frequent early (90-day) complication for both HTO and DFO cohorts, while hardware problems were most common at 2 years. Increasing Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) was associated with increased odds of infection, readmission, and hardware-associated complications in both cohorts. Gender and tobacco use were also associated with various complications after HTO. At 2 years, 23.7% of HTO patients and 26.2% of DFO patients had undergone subsequent surgery. Hardware removal occurred in 16.4% of HTO and 18.4% of DFO patients (n.s.), while 4.5% of HTO and 5.2% of DFO patients underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) within 2 years (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

HTO and DFO have substantial complication rates in the short and mid term, with a higher rate of overall complications observed after DFO as compared to the HTO cohort. After both procedures, roughly one quarter of patients will undergo subsequent surgery within 2 years. Patients with tobacco use and numerous medical co-morbidities may not be optimal candidates due to increased complication rates. Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) may be an useful tool for risk assessment prior to surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort study, III.

Vancomycin-soaked femoral head allograft in opening wedge high tibia osteotomy enables earlier postoperative recovery and reduces infection rates compared to allogenic bone chips

PURPOSE

To investigate the benefits of vancomycin-soaked femoral head allograft versus allogenic bone chips as an osteotomy gap filler in reducing infection rates and perioperative pain control after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW-HTO).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 114 knees that underwent MOW-HTO between 2013 and 2020. Osteotomy gaps were filled with vancomycin-soaked femoral head allograft (Study Group) or allogenic bone chips (Control Group). Both groups received systemic antibiotics. Perioperative parameters studied included pain, blood loss, length of stay, postoperative day (POD1) pain scores at rest, with activity as well as ambulatory distance. Patients in the Study Group were also followed up prospectively and clinical outcome scores, namely Knee Society Score, Oxford knee score (OKS) and Physical and Mental Component of the Short-Form 36 Questionnaire (PCS and MCS, respectively). Statistical analyses using Student's T-test were performed between the groups.

RESULTS

Patients of the study group had significantly better POD1 visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest (0.9 ± 1.6 vs 2.9 ± 1.2, p < 0.001) as well as when active (3.0 ± 1.9 vs 5.8 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of patients in the study group ambulated on POD 1, (90.6% vs 26.0%, p < 0.001). Of those who ambulated on POD1, study group patients managed to cover a greater ambulatory distance (13.9 ± 7.4 m vs 8.4 ± 9.3 m, p < 0.05). The proportion of study group patients requiring patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was also significantly less compared to the control group (32.8% vs 58.0%, p < 0.05). Of those requiring PCA, the amount of morphine requirement was also significantly reduced in the group with vancomycin-soaked allograft (8.7 ± 8.1 mg vs 23.9 ± 33.0 mg, p < 0.05). The study group also had a reduced length of stay (3.5 ± 2.0 days vs 5.5 ± 2.6 days, p < 0.001). Patients in the study group demonstrated significant improvement in Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), OKS, PCS and MCS at 12 months postoperatively. The study group had a significantly reduced incidence of superficial wound infections compared to the control group (3.1% vs 18.0%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Vancomycin-soaked femoral head allograft reduced superficial and deep wound infections in MOW-HTO. It was also effective in reducing postoperative pain, thereby enabling early ambulation and shorter hospital stays.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective comparative study, III.

Analysis of the running position of the popliteal artery and branching level of the anterior tibial artery detected by magnetic resonance imaging to avoid vessel injury during surgery around the knee joint

Background

Vessel injuries during total knee arthroplasty or high tibial osteotomy are rare but have serious complications. This study aimed to analyze the running position of the popliteal artery (PA) and branching level of the anterior tibial artery (ATA), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This analysis might be helpful in avoiding unnecessary vessel injury.

Methods

In total, 105 patients (41 men and 64 women), whose running position of the PA and branching level of the ATA could be detected by preoperative MRI, were included in this study. We configured zones A, B, C, and D to be 5–10, 15–20, 25–30 and 35–40 mm distal from the lateral tibial plateau in the axial view, respectively. First, the distance between the posterior cortex of the tibia and anterior border of the PA was measured. Second, the PA position from the medial border of the tibia was measured. This measured value was divided by the transverse diameter of the tibia, and multiplied by 100 to obtain the PA position from the medial border of the tibia. Third, the branching level of ATA was measured from the joint line. Subsequently, each value was compared between men (the M group) and women (the W group).

Results

The distance between the posterior cortex of the tibia and the anterior border of the PA was 5.5 ± 1.9, 10.4 ± 2.4, 12.5 ± 2.3 and 12.5 ± 2.3 (mm; mean ± SD) in zones A, B, C, and D, respectively. Comparing both groups, this distance was significantly larger (more separated posteriorly) in zones C and D in the M group. The PA position from the medial border of the tibia was 51.7 ± 6.5, 52.7 ± 8.2, 56.7 ± 10.5 and 66.8 ± 14 (%; mean ± SD) in zones A, B, C, and D, respectively. On comparing the two groups, this position was significantly larger (more laterally shifted) in zone D in the W group. The branching level of the ATA was not detected within 40 mm distal to the joint line in 92 patients (87.6%). However, it was detected within 40 mm (mean 32.5 mm; range 20–38) in 12 patients (11.4%). Among them, 11 were women. Only one woman had an aberrant branching pattern: the ATA bifurcated at the joint level.

Conclusion

The PA positioned closest at the joint level, gradually separated and shifted laterally towards the distal side. The distance between the posterior cortex of the tibia and the anterior border of the PA was closer in women than in men in zones C and D. Although a difference of 2 mm is small, the risk of PA injury can be considered to be higher in women than in men. Furthermore, ATA injury is also a concern during retraction of the tibialis anterior muscle posteriorly, and the descending cut of the tibial tuberosity, particularly in women.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is associated with lower pain levels but inferior range of motion, compared with high tibial osteotomy: a systematic overview of meta-analyses

Background

The purpose of this study was to overview the findings of reported meta-analyses on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO).

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 (PRISMA 2020) guidelines were followed. Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search of PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for meta-analyses comparing UKA and HTO that were published prior to September 2021. Literature screening, data extraction, and article quality appraisal were performed according to the study protocol registered online at PROSPERO (CRD42021279152).

Results

A total of 10 meta-analyses were identified, and different studies reported different results. Five of the seven meta-analyses showed that the proportion of subjects with excellent or good functional results was higher for UKA than for HTO. All three meta-analyses showed that UKA was associated with lower pain levels, and all six of the studies that included an analysis of range of motion (ROM) reported that UKA was inferior to HTO. Four of the eight meta-analyses found that total complication rates were lower for UKA. Only 3 of the 10 meta-analyses found that UKA had lower revision rates. Moreover, in the subgroup analysis, the revision and complication rates of UKA were similar to those of opening-wedge HTO but much lower than those of closing-wedge HTO.

Conclusions

Compared to HTO, UKA was associated with lower pain levels but inferior postoperative ROM. The results were inconclusive regarding whether UKA yielded better knee function scores and lower revision or complication rates than HTO. Accurate identification of indications and appropriate patient selection are essential for treating individuals with OA.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-022-03319-7.

Changes in patellar baja progress until 3 months after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate sequential patellar height changes as well as the factors leading to these changes after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO).

METHODS

The study cohort constituted 37 knees from 36 patients who underwent MOWHTO for varus knee. The Caton-Deschamps index (CDI) for patellar height was measured preoperatively and at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The factors related to sequential changes in patellar height were evaluated.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between preoperative CDI and postoperative CDI at all time points (p < .05). Two-week postoperative CDI and postoperative CDI at 3,6,12-months was also significantly different (p < .05). The only significant factor for the change in patellar height between preoperative CDI and postoperative CDI at 2-weeks and 12-months was the change in the Δ medial proximal tibial angle (ΔMPTA) (postoperative MPTA-preoperative MPTA). We could not identify the factor that affected the change in patellar height change from 2-weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The change in patellar height continued sequentially until at least 3 months postoperatively. ΔMPTA was associated with the change in patellar height at 2 weeks postoperatively compared with preoperatively; however, no factors associated with the change in patellar height from 2 weeks postoperatively to 3, 6, and 12-months postoperatively were identified.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Medial Meniscus Replacement Prosthesis for the Treatment of Patients with Medial Compartment Pain in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

The most common intra-articular knee injury is a meniscal tear, which commonly occurs secondary to trauma following twisting or hyperflexion. Treatment options for meniscal tears can either be surgical or non-surgical, and range from rest, exercise, bracing and physical therapy to surgical intervention, including meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy. In patients with persistent pain following loss of meniscus tissue, treatment can include partial replacement or meniscal allograft transplantation. The NUsurface^® prosthesis has been developed as a treatment option for patients experiencing persistent knee pain post medial meniscus (MM) surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of MM replacement using NUsurface for the treatment of patients with medial compartment pain following previous partial medial meniscectomy, from a UK health service perspective.

METHODS

An economic decision-analytic model was developed to assess the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained associated with the introduction of MM replacement using NUsurface compared with non-surgical standard of care, over a lifetime time horizon. The model structure was primarily informed by a previous clinical trial (VENUS) and was developed based on the clinical pathways typically followed by patients with this condition, with treatment pathways and probabilities of clinical progression adjusted depending on whether patients were receiving the intervention or undergoing current practice. A hypothetical cohort of adult patients (mean age of 50 years) was modelled, with clinical data sourced from the VENUS study as well as relevant UK literature. Both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out to explore uncertainty in the model results.

RESULTS

The base-case probabilistic results indicate that MM replacement using NUsurface is likely to be cost effective across a range of willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds (95% probability of being cost effective at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)-recommended £20,000 WTP threshold). Although per-patient costs increase, QALYs are also gained, with the incremental cost per QALY (probabilistic value = £5011) being below £20,000. Deterministic sensitivity analyses indicate that the parameters that have the greatest impact on results are the failure rate in the control group (current practice), utility scores, and the cost of undergoing MM replacement using NUsurface.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the analysis presented, MM replacement with the NUsurface prosthetic implant is likely to be a cost-effective use of UK health care service resources compared with current standard care.

Forgivingness of an Anteromedially Positioned Small Locked Plate for High Tibial Osteotomy in Case of Overcorrection and Lateral Hinge Fracture

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) represents a sensible treatment option for patients with moderate unicondylar osteoarthritis of the knee and extraarticular malalignment. The possibility of a continuously variable correction setting and a surgical approach low in complications has meant that the medial opening osteotomy has prevailed over the past decades. The objective of the present study was to determine whether anteromedially positioned small plates are nevertheless forgiving under biomechanically unfavourable conditions (overcorrection and lateral hinge fracture). In this study, a simulated HTO was performed on composite tibiae with a 10-mm wedge and fixed-angle anteromedial osteosynthesis with a small implant. Force was applied axially in a neutral mechanical axis, a slight and a marked overcorrection into valgus, with and without a lateral hinge fracture in each case. At the same time, a physiological gait with a dual-peak force profile and a peak load of 2.4 kN was simulated. Interfragmentary motion and rigidity were determined. The rigidity of the osteosynthesis increased over the cycles investigated. A slight overcorrection into valgus led to the lowest interfragmentary motion, compared with pronounced valgisation and neutral alignment. A lateral hinge fracture led to a significant decrease in rigidity and increase in interfragmentary motion. However, in no case was the limit of 1 mm interfragmentary motion critical for osteotomy healing exceeded. The degree of correction of the leg axis, and the presence of a lateral hinge fracture, have an influence on rigidity and interfragmentary motion. From a mechanically neutral axis ranging up to pronounced overcorrection, the implant investigated offers sufficient stability to allow healing of the osteotomy, even if a lateral hinge fracture is present.

The benefits of a percutaneous supplemental screw to reinforce the hinge of a medial open wedge tibial osteotomy

INTRODUCTION

Our earlier studies reported that an additional lag screw placed from the opposite side increases the stability of the fixation construct in medial open wedge high tibia osteotomy (MOWHTO). The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the use of a supplemental screw with immediate post-operative full weight-bearing and its benefits in terms of functional outcome, radiographic outcome and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed comparing the historical cohort (MOWHTO without opposite screw) (group A) with the current cohort (MOWHTO with opposite screw) (group B). The patients underwent clinical and radiological assessments. We evaluated the WOMAC (The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) score, IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) scores, and Lysholm knee score. Patients' return to sports and work were also recorded.

RESULTS

We included 123 knees receiving MOWHTO alone (group A) with 114 knees (group B) receiving MOWHTO with an opposite screw. A shorter bone union time (18.3 ± 2.1 weeks v.s. 11.5 ± 2.6 weeks, p < 0.001), earlier return to sports (6.1 months vs. 4.6 months, p < 0.001) and return to works (3.2 months vs. 2.3 months, p < 0.001) and better 6-month functional outcomes were found in group B (p < 0.001). The complications were similar in both groups. One patient experienced irritation at the site of the screw entrance and the screw was removed after union.

CONCLUSION

The current study evaluated the clinical efficacy of a supplemental lag screw placed from the opposite side in MOWHTO. Comparing to the plate alone, the additional opposite screw improved the implant and fixation stability under immediate weight-bearing without causing complications. A shorter time for returning to sports and work was noted, and a better functional outcome at 6-month follow-up was registered.

Reducing the Risk of Neurovascular Injury With Posteromedial Plating and Laterally Directed Screw Insertion During Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Background:

Neurovascular injury is a serious complication after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).

Purpose:

To evaluate (1) how neurovascular injuries during fixation can be prevented and (2) whether a lateral hinge–directed posteromedial fixation system provides comparable neurovascular safety during OWHTO to conventional and custom-made locking plate systems.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included were 275 knees that underwent OWHTO from March 2014 to May 2018. The knees were divided into 4 groups based on the type of fixation system used: (1) lateral hinge–directed system (LCfit HTO; LCfit group), (2) TDM decisive wedge locking plate (TDM group), (3) OhtoFix anatomic locking metal block plate (OhtoFix group), and (4) TomoFix titanium locking plate (TomoFix group). Using postoperative computed tomography, the following variables among the groups were compared: screw insertion angle relative to the tibia posterior cortex in the axial plane, length, proximity to neurovascular structures, and safety angle of screw fixation (angle between the most proximal posterior screw insertion line and a line tangent to the popliteal artery from the screw hole). Radiological and clinical outcomes were also compared between groups.

Results:

The screw angle was significantly smaller and the distance from neurovascular structures to the screw extension line was significantly farther in the LCfit group compared with the other 3 groups (P < .001 for both). The safety angle was also wider in the LCfit group than in the other groups (P < .001). There were no significant differences in radiologic or clinical outcomes between the groups during follow-up.

Conclusion:

The distance from the neurovascular structures to the screw extension line was significantly farther, and the safety angle was also significantly wider with the laterally directed posteromedial plate system compared with the other systems. There were no neurovascular injuries in any group or significant differences in clinical outcomes or radiological parameters between the LCfit and the other locking plate systems.

Survival and failure analysis of 167 medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with a locking titanium plate

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study investigated the survival rate and complications of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) with a precountered titanium locking plate.

HYPOTHESIS

Advanced age (≥50years), gender, body mass index (BMI), type of osteotomy cut (monoplanar or biplanar), osteoarthritis (OA) grade, the use of bone grafting or substitution and preoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) have impact on MOWHTO survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 167 knees (155 patients) were consecutively operated during the study period of 01.01.2006-31.12.2014. The primary outcome measure was survival without a need for revision to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The secondary outcome was a major adverse event leading to revision surgery. Adverse events and complications were evaluated and radiological analyses were done. Furthermore, risk factors that affected the survival were analysed with the Cox regression model.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 7.7 (SD: 2.7, range: 0.9-14.5) years. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for the cumulative survival considering no need for TKA after MOWHTO was 90% at 5years, 78% at 10years and 61% at 14.5years (SE: 0.4, 95% CI: 11.2-12.9). The adverse event rate was 30% and 35% of the patients required a secondary surgery. The Cox regression model did not show that age, gender, weight, osteotomy type, the use of bone grafting or substitution, preoperative HKA angle or OA grade were not risk factors for conversion to arthroplasty.

DISCUSSION

MOWHTO with locking plate provides good survival with no need for TKA in 78% of the knee medial OA patients at 10years of cumulative follow-up. However, a high adverse event rate (30%) is expected. Risk factors for conversion to TKA were not found and thereby hypothesis of this study was not proved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

VI; Retrospective cohort study.

3D-printed Cutting Guides for Lower Limb Deformity Correction in the Young Population

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) virtual surgical planning technology has advanced applications in the correction of deformities of long bones by enabling the production of 3D stereolithographic models, patient-specific instruments and surgical-guiding templates. Herein, we describe the implementation of this technology in young patients who required a corrective osteotomy for a complex 3-plane (oblique plane) lower-limb deformity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 17 patients (9 males, average age 14.7 y) participated in this retrospective study. As part of preoperative planning, the patients' computerized tomographic images were imported into a post-processing software, and virtual 3D models were created by a segmentation process. Femoral and tibial models and cutting guides with locking points were designed according to the deformity correction plan. They were used for both planning and as intraoperative guides. Clinical parameters, such as blood loss and operative time were compared with a traditional surgical approach group.

RESULTS

All osteotomies in the 3D group were executed with the use intraoperative customized cutting guides which matched the preoperative planning simulation and allowed easy fixation with prechosen plates. Surgical time was 101±6.2 minutes for the 3D group and 126.4±16.1 minutes for the control group. The respective intraoperative hemoglobin blood loss was 2.1±0.2 and 2.5+0.3 g/dL.Clinical and radiographic follow-up findings showed highly satisfactory alignment of the treated extremities in all 3D intervention cases, with an average time-to-bone union (excluding 2 neurofibromatosis 1 patients) of 10.3 weeks (range 6 to 20 wk).

CONCLUSION

The use of 3D-printed models and patient-specific cutting guides with locking points improves the clinical outcomes of osteotomies in young patients with complex bone deformities of the lower limbs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Perioperative complications in osteotomies around the knee: a study in 858 cases

INTRODUCTION

Eight hundred and fifty-eight consecutive osteotomies around the knee joint were analyzed retrospectively to detect intra- and early postoperative complications in a period of 4 weeks postoperative. Indications for osteotomy were unilateral gonarthritis or torsional deformities resulting in femoropatellar instability or anterior knee pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Etiology of deformity, technique and mode of correction and level of osteotomy were registered. Complications were detected and divided in minor complication (superficial wound infection, and deep-vein thrombosis) and major complication (compartment syndrome, deep infection, and vascular lesion).

RESULTS

Fifteen major (1.7%) and 17 minor complications (2.0%) were detected: 5 vascular lesions (0.58%), 4 compartment syndromes (0.47%) and 6 deep infections (0.70%), 14 superficial wound infections (1.6%) and 3 deep-vein thrombosis (0.35%). In posttraumatic osteotomies and continuous corrections, risk for a superficial wound infection was significantly higher and with osteoclasia risk for vascular lesion was higher compared to osteotomy with oscillating saw. No difference was found for anatomical level of osteotomy and for the other complications in terms of etiology of deformity, technique of osteotomy and mode of correction.

CONCLUSION

Osteotomy around the knee is a safe procedure in the treatment of unicompartmental gonarthritis in terms of intra- and postoperative complications. Major complications are rare. Pit falls for compartment syndromes (LCW and torsional corrections) have to kept in mind. There is no difference in frequency of complications between HTO and supracondylar osteotomies. Risk for superficial wound infection is higher in posttraumatic osteotomies and with continuous corrections. Osteoclasia contains a higher risk for vascular lesion compared to oscillating saw.

Long-term results of the subtubercle tibial osteotomy using the circular external fixator for medı̇al compartment osteoarthrı̇tı̇s of knee

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent subtubercular tibial osteotomy (STO) with Ilizarov external fixation used for high tibial osteotomy for medial knee osteoarthritis (MKOA).

METHODS

Between October 2003 and December 2011, 42 knees of 40 patients who had undergone STO with Ilizarov external fixator with a diagnosis of MKOA were evaluated. Survival analysis was performed by examining the duration of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Clinical and radiological variables were collected at the time of admission after removal of the fixator and at outpatient follow up.

RESULTS

Mean age was 49.3 ± 5.68 (range 37-61) years, mean postoperative follow up time was 14.22 ± 2.93 (range 9-18) years, and mean fixator duration was 14.6 (range 13-20) weeks. Survival analysis showed 100% at 5 years, 95.2% at 10 years and 88.1% at 15 years. Clinical examination of the patients showed significant improvement in American Knee Society score (KSS), KSS functional score and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) score (P = 0.005). In the study, it was observed that the patients' knee osteoarthritis had progressed over time. On examination, radiographic measurements including mechanical axis deviation, medial proximal tibial angle, femorotibial angle, and joint line alignment angle improved significantly after deformity correction (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

STO using the Ilizarov method offers long-term survival. It provides effective treatment in young patients with isolated MKOA. Achieving the desired amount of correction in the coronal and sagittal planes can be presented as a surgical technique for the treatment of MKOA as an effective method in clinical and radiological correction.

A novel biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: the Z-shaped technique. A case series at 7.2 years follow-up

Background

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) provides reliable and good long-term results, if performed with correct indications, but different techniques and types of fixation have been described. The purpose of this study is to present a novel modified biplanar medial opening-wedge (MOW) HTO technique where the osteotomies are performed in a Z-shaped fashion, and to present the medium-term clinical and radiographic results.

Materials and methods

We present a case series of 75 patients (80 knees) with mean age of 45.8 years, affected by isolated medial knee osteoarthritis and symptomatic varus knee malalignment, who underwent novel biplanar Z-shaped MOWHTO. Clinical and radiological outcomes were collected, retrospectively before surgery and at median follow-up of 7.2 years (95% CI 5.6–9.2 months) after surgery. Clinical results and satisfaction were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Likert scale. Radiological assessment involved the evaluation of the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), tibial slope (TS), Caton–Deschamps index, and knee osteoarthritis grade according to Ahlbäck classification. Pre- and postoperative results were compared using the two-tailed t-test or Wilcoxon’s test of independent samples for paired data or nonparametric analog. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

At medium-term follow-up, Z-shaped MOWHTO showed a survival rate of 95 ± 1.7% with failure occurring in four knees due to symptom recurrence and osteoarthritis progression. No perioperative complications were observed (intraarticular fracture, delayed union or nonunion, and neurological injury). Mean bone healing time was 12 weeks. Clinical scores showed significant improvement at last follow-up and a good grade of satisfaction. MPTA increased significantly, while Caton–Deschamps index decreased significantly. No significant TS increase was found.

Conclusions

Modified biplanar Z-shaped MOWHTO is a safe and reliable technique that offers satisfactory clinical and radiological medium-term outcomes with low knee arthroplasty conversion rate. The unique three-dimensional geometrical conformation potentially provides a favorable environment for bone healing, increased anteroposterior and rotational stability, and safer opening-wedge loading force application with low lateral hinge fracture risk.

Level of evidence

Level IV, retrospective observational case series study.

Trial registration The study protocol was approved by the Internal Review Board of our Institution (authorization number 54/2019, 20 November 2019).

How do lateral hinge and distraction affect three-dimensional rotation in open wedge high tibial osteotomy?

BACKGROUND

Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) has extensively been used for the correction of medial knee osteoarthritis. The proximal tibia is osteotomized and distracted to enable the rotation of tibial fragments around the lateral hinge. Both, wedge inclination on the medial side and saw progression near the lateral cortex determine the hinge orientation. This study focused on the interaction between hinge orientation and distraction sites on the coronal, sagittal, and horizontal planes of the distracted plateau.

METHODS

Three parameters of wedge inclination, saw progression, and distraction site (i.e., posterior, middle, and anterior) were systematically varied. Using a three-dimensional (3D)-printing technique, the osteotomized tibiae were manufactured as the specimens for the in vitro experiments. In total, 27 variations (3 × 3 × 3) were tested. After distraction, the specimens were scanned by computed tomography and spatially registered with the original tibia to compare the 3D angles of the distracted plateaus.

RESULTS

Coronal rotation is the main purpose of OWHTO; therefore, all the values of the coronal angles were positive and significantly higher than the other two. The sagittal and horizontal angles had relatively similar values. Distraction in the middle site seems to have the least impact on sagittal rotation. Large angles of hinge orientation show the superior ability in adjusting the sagittal rotation than small angles. However, the larger the horizontal angles the greater the wedge inclination.

CONCLUSIONS

The wedge inclination, saw progression, and distraction site constitute a complex mechanism that affects 3D rotations of the distracted plateau. The coronal angles are sensitive to hinge orientation and distraction site. The intraoperative planning of manipulating hinge orientation is an effective method to adjust sagittal rotation. A large angle of wedge inclination is an indicator of horizontal rotation, and it should be carefully mitigated to reduce the risk of cracking in the lateral hinge.

Tranexamic acid is beneficial for blood management of high tibial osteotomy: a randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether TXA can effectively reduce blood loss after HTO and related complications and to evaluate its safety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2016 to March 2018, 100 patients who underwent medial opening wedge HTO in the Department of Orthopedics, the second affiliated hospital of xi'an jiaotong university, with an average age of 52.8 ± 3.2 years, were randomly divided into the TXA group (using intravenous TXA) and the control group (using the same amount of normal saline), with 50 patients in each group. The postoperative wound drainage volume, decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit value, total blood loss, wound healing, blood transfusion, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The drainage volume on the first postoperative day and the total drainage volume of the TXA group were significantly lower compared with those of the control group (145.7 vs 264.5 ml, 282.3 vs 413.2 ml, P < 0.05). The decreases in the hemoglobin and hematocrit values on the postoperative first, second and fifth days were lower in the TXA group than those in the control group (1.4 VS 3.5, 2.6 vs 3.3, 1.9 vs 2.9 g, P < 0.05; 3.3 vs 5.5, 5.0 vs 9.1, 3.8 vs 7.2%, P < 0.05), and the mean total blood loss was also lower in the TXA group than that in the control group (477.9 vs 834.6 ml, P < 0.05). In the control group, 1 patient had wound hematoma requiring additional paracentesis and pressure dressing, 1 patient had superficial wound infection requiring additional debridement, and 1 patient had postoperative blood transfusion compared to none in the TXA group (P > 0.05). There was no symptomatic DVT or PE in either of the groups.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous TXA can effectively and safely reduce blood loss and bleeding-related complications after HTO and was beneficial for the blood management of HTO.