Oblique upper tibial opening wedge osteotomy for genu varum.
OBJECTIVE
Restoration of mechanical axis of the leg.


METHODS
Osteoarthritis of medial knee compartment. Overload of medial compartment. Genu varum.


METHODS
Smoker. Vascular impairment. Poor soft-tissue envelope.


METHODS
Straight 12-cm midline incision starting distal to the tibial tubercle medially and continuing parallel to the tibial crest. Oblique osteotomy at 60 degrees distal-medial to proximal-lateral preserving the lateral cortex. Osteotomy wedged open and alignment checked with diathermy cord. Two tricortical bone blocks harvested from ipsilateral iliac crest or bone substitute wedges placed in osteotomy. Stabilization with contoured T-plate. Closure over drain.


RESULTS
44 patients (32 men, twelve women, average age 48 years) with 45 osteotomies. Follow-up 30 months (7-74 months). All osteotomies consolidated. 90% patients had excellent results according to the HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) Knee Score. In 77% the femorotibial angle was corrected to 5-12 degrees . Patients regained their preoperative range of motion. There were no major complications.
Hooper
Gary
G
Christchurch Orthopaedic and Bone Research Association, Christchurch Hospital, 151 Leinster Road, Christchurch, Neuseeland. hoopg@xtra.co.nz
Leslie
Hamish
H
Burn
James
J
Schouten
Rowan
R
Beci
Ili
I
D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000637:transplantation*; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D013977:Tibia / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome