Closing wedge osteotomy of the tibia and the femur in the treatment of gonarthrosis

Around-the-knee osteotomies part II: Surgical indications, techniques and outcomes - State of the art

Recent advances in surgical techniques and planning for knee-based osteotomies have led to improvements in addressing lower extremity malalignment. Part 1 of this review presented the biomechanical and clinical rationale of osteotomies, emphasizing the importance of osteotomies for restoring normal knee kinematics. In Part 2 of this review, indications, surgical technique and outcomes of osteotomies to correct coronal, sagittal and axial plane deformities will be examined. Traditional high tibial and distal femoral osteotomies will be discussed in addition to more recent advanced techniques including biplanar corrections and double-level osteotomies, as well as slope-correcting osteotomies. Patient-specific instrumentation and its use in more complex corrections will also be addressed.

Technique for Medial Closing-Wedge Proximal Tibia Osteotomy in the Valgus Knee

Valgus malalignment can be corrected with a medial closing-wedge proximal tibia osteotomy in patients with symptomatic lateral compartment disease. Advantages of this technique include the inherent stability of the closing wedge with direct bone contact and reliable healing that enables early weight bearing and shorter recovery time. In addition, a tibial-based osteotomy alters joint contact forces in both flexion and extension versus femoral-based osteotomies. The purpose of this article is to present a reproducible technique for medial closing-wedge proximal tibia osteotomy and review the indications, preoperative planning, rationale, and clinical outcomes.

Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: more than ten years of experience with Puddu plate technique supports its indication

PURPOSE

To describe the short-term and long-term results of patients who underwent a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW-HTO) for unicompartmental medial knee joint osteoarthritis.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with MOW-HTO using a Puddu plate®, with more than ten year follow-up. The degree of correction, initial chondral damage, number of meniscal lesions, preoperative and 1-year postoperative functional scale scores (IKDC and Lysholm), and arthroplasty conversion rates at the ten year follow-up were registered. We assumed early indication when patients underwent the operation before they were 40 years old and delayed ≥ 40. Functional outcomes were analyzed by adjusting for pre-operative values. Fisher's exact test was used to study the association between the arthroplasty conversion rates and the timing of indication.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were included, 37 of whom were male (67%). Twenty-nine patients had early indications for surgery (53%). All patients completed ten year follow-up. All patients improved IKDC (p < 0.01) and Lysholm (p < 0.01) scores compared to their presurgical scores at the one year post-operative evaluation. We had six minor complications, none requiring revision surgery. We had three conversions to arthroplasty, all in the late indication group, not statistically significant different. Linear regression showed that early indication was associated with a higher IKDC score when adjusting for the Outerbridge chondral damage score, the number of meniscal lesions, and sex (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

All patients improved functional scores one year after surgery. Early indication (i.e., younger than 40 years of age) was independently associated with better functional outcomes than late indication at one year follow-up.

Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy without bone grafting in severe varus osteoarthritic knee. Rate and risk factors of non-union in 41 cases

INTRODUCTION

Using locking plates in opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) via a medial opening theoretically allows early weight-bearing without need for bone or bone-substitute grafting. It incurs a risk of non-consolidation in case of large correction (>10°), although rates and risk factors of non-union are not known. The present retrospective study compared OWHTO with correction <10° versus >10°, with a view to determining: (1) complications rates (non-union) according to degree of correction, and (2) risk factors for such complications.

HYPOTHESIS

OWHTO with correction greater than 10° without graft shows normal consolidation and allows early weight-bearing.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Forty-one patients treated by OWHTO for medial osteoarthritis of the knee between January 2101 and November 2015 were included in a retrospective study. HKA angle was assessed by long-leg axis radiographs, preoperatively and at 3 months. Clinical and radiological follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months assessed consolidation in terms of >40% filling of the osteotomy site. Partial (contact) weight-bearing was allowed from the first postoperative day, with full weight-bearing at 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 59±5 years. Mean body-mass index (BMI) was 30.3±5.2; 17 patients (41.5%) had BMI >30. Mean initial HKA angle was 173.5°±3° (range, 167-178°) and mean correction was 10.7°±2.7° (range, 5-15°). There were 27 corrections of 10° or more, and 14 less than 10°. At 3 months, mean HKA was 182.9°±2.5° (range, 178-187°). Twelve cases showed lateral tibial cortex fracture after opening. Thirty-six patients (87.8%) showed consolidation, at a mean 5±3 months. Five patients showed osteotomy site non-union; in all these cases, the lateral cortex was broken initially (P=0.003); all had BMI >30 (mean, 37.2±3.8; P<0.03); none were smokers. On univariate analysis, lateral tibial cortex fracture (OR=10; 95% CI, (1.59-196.30)), BMI >30 (OR=1.18; 95% CI, (1.03-1.41)) and correction ≥10° (OR=10.50; 95% CI, (2.49-53.86)) were associated with delayed consolidation. On multivariate analysis, only degree of osteotomy was significantly associated with delayed consolidation (OR=11.51; 95% CI, (2.13-95.74)).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Obesity and initial lateral cortex fracture appeared as risk factors for non-consolidation of OWHTO with large correction. Systematic bone or bone-substitute grafting may therefore be considered in this population in case of >10° correction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, prospective cohort study.

Gait analysis before and after corrective osteotomy in patients with knee osteoarthritis and a valgus deformity

PURPOSE

In this prospective study, the changes in kinetics and kinematics of gait and clinical outcomes after a varus osteotomy (tibial, femoral or double osteotomy) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and a valgus leg alignment were analysed and compared to healthy subjects.

METHODS

Twelve patients and ten healthy controls were included. Both kinetics and kinematics of gait and clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The knee adduction moment increased significantly postoperatively (p < 0.05) and almost similar to the control group. Patients showed less knee and hip flexion/extension motion and moment during gait pre- and postoperatively compared to the controls. A significant improvement was found in WOMAC [80.8 (SD 16.1), p = 0.000], KOS [74.9 (SD 14.7), p = 0.018], OKS [21.2 (SD 7.5), p = 0.000] and VAS-pain [32.9 (SD 20.9), p = 0.003] in all patients irrespective of the osteotomy technique used. The radiographic measurements showed a mean hip knee ankle (HKA) angle correction of 10.4° (95 % CI 6.4°-14.4°).

CONCLUSION

In patients with knee OA combined with a valgus leg alignment, the varus-producing osteotomy is a successful treatment. Postoperatively, the patients showed kinetics and kinematics of gait similar as that of a healthy control group. A significant increase in the knee adduction moment during stance phase was found, which was related to the degree of correction. The HKA angle towards zero degrees caused a medial shift in the dynamic knee loading. The medial shift will optimally restore cartilage loading forces and knee ligament balance and reduces progression of OA or the risk of OA. A significant improvement in all clinical outcomes was also found.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Hemi-wedge osteotomy in the management of large angular deformities around the knee joint

BACKGROUND

Angular deformity around the knee joint is a common orthopedic problem. Many options are available for the management of such problem with varying degrees of success and failure. The aim of the present study was to assess the results of hemi-wedge osteotomy in the management of big angular deformities about the knee joint.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight limbs in 21 patients with large angular deformities around the knee joint were treated by the hemi-wedge osteotomy technique. The ages ranged from 12 to 43 years with an average of 19.8 years. The deformity ranged from 20° to 40° with a mean of 30.39° ± 5.99°. The deformities were genu varum in 12 cases and genu valgum in 9 cases. Seven cases had bilateral deformities. Small wedge was removed from the convex side of the bone and put in the gap created in the other side after correction of the deformity.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up, the deformity was corrected in all cases except two. Full range of knee movement was regained in all cases. The complications included superficial wound infection in two cases, overcorrection in one case, pain along the lateral aspect of the knee in one case and recurrence of the deformity in one case. No cases were complicated by nerve injury or vascular injury.

CONCLUSION

Hemi-wedge osteotomy is a good method for treatment of deformities around the knee joint. It can correct large angular deformities without major complications.

Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a seven - to twelve-year study

PURPOSE

medial opening-wedge osteotomy is a widely performed procedure used to treat moderate isolated medial knee osteoarthritis. Historically, the literature has contained reports showing satisfactory mid-term results when accurate patient selection and precise surgical techniques were applied. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical and radiographic seven- to twelve-year results of opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy in a consecutive series of patients affected by varus knee malalignment with isolated medial compartment degenerative joint disease.

METHODS

we reviewed a case series of 147 medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomies at an average follow-up of 9.5 years. Endpoints for evaluation included the reporting of adverse effects, radiographic evidence of bone union, radiographic changes in the correction angle during union, and clinical and functional final outcomes.

RESULTS

good or excellent results were obtained in 94% of the cases: the patients reported no major complications related to the opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy surgical technique, bone graft resorption, implant choice or postoperative rehabilitation protocol. At final follow-up, the average hip-knee angle was 4° of valgus without major loss of correction during the healing process. A statistically significant change in the patellar height was detected postoperatively, with a trend towards patella infera.

CONCLUSIONS

medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy is still a reliable method for correcting varus deformity while producing stable fixation, thus allowing satisfactory stability, adequate bone healing and satisfactory mid- to long-term results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic cases series.

Prospective comparative study of two methods for fixation after distal femur corrective osteotomy for valgus deformity; retrograde intramedullary nailing versus less invasive stabilization system plating

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and functional results of two different methods of fixation for the correction of femoral valgus deformities.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone osteotomy and correction of a valgus deformity from 2007 to 2013 were prospectively followed. Thirty three patients (20 females, 13 males) with 39 lower limbs were included in the study. Seventeen lower limbs were treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing (IMN) and 22 with less invasive stabilization system plating. Standing orthoroentgenograms of the lower limbs were taken pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. mLDFA, aLDFA, mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were measured in this orthoroentgenograms. Knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and knee range of motion were used pre-operatively and at the final follow-up as part of the evaluation of the clinical results. All patients duration of surgery, length of hospital stay were assessed. Operations were performed by two orthopedic surgeons. The choice of correction method for each patient was determined by the surgeon. Pre-operative and post-operative values were simultaneously measured by two additional orthopedic surgeons.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 26.2 years (18.0-51.0) in the plating group and 29.3 years (18.0-55.0) in the nailing group. Patients in the plating and nailing groups were followed up for 24.0 (12.0-60.0) and 27.8 (12.0-60.0) months. All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, sex, or duration of follow-up (p > 0.05) Comparison of the pre- and post-operative mLDFA, aLDFA, MAD, length of hospital stay, and duration of surgery between the plating group and nailing group, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). However, patients treated with retrograde IMN had significantly better post-operative results in terms of the KOOS and range of motion of the knee according to plating group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Retrograde IMN does not provide a radiological advantage over the LISS plating technique for valgus deformity but retrograde IMN and correction offered better functional results in cases of femoral valgus deformity than did the LISS plating method.

Does pelvic width influence patellar tracking? A radiological comparison between sexes

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic width has been believed to affect patellar tracking by influencing the quadriceps angle (Q-angle). Anatomically, the upper arm of the Q-angle does not closely match the orientation of the quadriceps femoris. The pelvis is often considered wider and the Q-angle larger in female than in male individuals. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the accuracy of such an assumption by using a radiologic comparison, which might be more objective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred consecutive adult patients (50 men and 50 women) aged 18-30 years with unilateral injury to the lower extremity were studied. Full-length standing X-rays of these patients was used to analyze the relationship between the pelvis and the uninjured lower extremity and compare it between the sexes. The pelvic width was defined as the distance between the centers of the bilateral femoral heads.

RESULTS

The pelvic width did not differ statistically between male and female (P=0.74). The femur length and sum of the lengths of the femur and tibia differed between the sexes (both P<0.001). Normalization of the pelvic width to the femur length or sum of the lengths of the femur and tibia resulted in a significant difference between male and female (P<0.001). The angle formed by the femoral and tibial mechanical axes correlated strongly with the angle formed by the femoral anatomic and tibial mechanical axes (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.89).

DISCUSSION

Pelvic width does not differ with respect to gender. The pelvis may appear relatively wider in women due to the difference in body height. However, this difference may not increase Q-angle. Patellar mal-tracking may stem from other, more critical predisposing factors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV. Anatomic study.

Distal femoral osteotomy in genovalgum: internal fixation with blade plate versus casting

BACKGROUND

To compare the results of two different ways of distal femoral osteotomy stabilization in patients suffering from genuvalgum: internal fixation with plate, and casting.

METHODS

In a non-randomized prospective study, after distal femoral osteotomy with the zigzag method, patients were divided into two groups: long leg casting, and internal fixation with blade plate. For all patients, questionnaires were filled to obtain data. Information such as range of motion, tibiofemoral anatomical angle and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

38 knees with valgus deformity underwent distal femoral supracondylar osteotomy. (8 with plaster cast and 30 with internal fixation using a blade plate). Preoperative range of motion was 129±6° and six months later it was 120±14°. The preoperative tibiofemoral angle was 32±6°; postoperative tibiofemoral angles were 3±3°, 6±2°, and 7±3° just after operation, six months, and two years later, respectively. Although this angle was greater among the group stabilized with a cast, this difference was not statistically significant. In postoperative complications, over-correction was found in five, recorvatom deformity in one, knee stiffness in three and superficial wound infection was recorded in three knees.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no prominent difference in final range of motion and alignment whether fixation is done with casting or internal fixation. However, the complication rate seems higher in the casting method.

A novel approach for evaluating acceptable intra-operative correction of lower limb alignment in femoral and tibial malunion using the deviation angle of the normal contralateral knee

BACKGROUND

A simple and appropriate approach for evaluating an acceptable alignment of bone around the knee during operation has not yet been reported.

METHODS

Thirty-five men and 35 women presenting with nonunion or malunion of the unilateral femoral shaft were included in the first study. Using the standing scanograph, the contralateral normal lower extremity was measured to determine the normal deviation angle (DA) of the medial malleolus when the medial aspect of the knee was placed in the midline of the body. In the second study, the normal DA from individual patients was used as a reference to evaluate knee alignment during operation in 40 other patients presenting with distal femoral or proximal tibial nonunion or malunion. The clinical and knee functional outcomes of these 40 patients were investigated.

RESULTS

The average normal DA was 4.2° in men and 6.0° in women (p<0.001). Thirty-four of the 40 patients presenting with disorders around the knee were followed up for an average of 3.6 years (range, 1.1-6.5 years). Thirty fractures healed with a union rate of 88% and an average union period of 4.2 months (range, 2.5-6.5 months). Ideal knee alignment was maintained in all 30 patients with fracture union. Satisfactory function of the knee was achieved in 28 patients (82%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a normal DA as a reference may be a feasible and effective technique for evaluating an acceptable alignment of bone around the knee during operation.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Case series.

Lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee

The lateral compartment is predominantly affected in approximately 10% of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The anatomy, kinematics and loading during movement differ considerably between medial and lateral compartments of the knee. This in the main explains the relative protection of the lateral compartment compared with the medial compartment in the development of osteoarthritis. The aetiology of lateral compartment osteoarthritis can be idiopathic, usually affecting the femur, or secondary to trauma commonly affecting the tibia. Surgical management of lateral compartment osteoarthritis can include osteotomy, unicompartmental knee replacement and total knee replacement. This review discusses the biomechanics, pathogenesis and development of lateral compartment osteoarthritis and its management.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:436–44.

Complications of closing wedge high tibial osteotomies for unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee

We systematically reviewed the published literature on the complications of closing wedge high tibial osteotomy for the treatment of unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. Publications were identified using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases up to February 2012. We assessed randomised (RCTs), controlled group clinical (CCTs) trials, case series in publications associated with closing wedge osteotomy of the tibia in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and finally a Cochrane review. Many of these trials included comparative studies (opening wedge versus closing wedge) and there was heterogeneity in the studies that prevented pooling of the results.

Retrograde dynamic locked nailing for valgus knee correction: a revised technique

PURPOSE

Traditionally, valgus knee deformity is predominately corrected by stabilisation with a plate inserted via the medial approach to the supracondylar region of the femur. However, this technique is unfavourable from both a biomechanical and a biological point of view. A revised retrograde dynamic locked nailing was developed to improve correction of this defect.

METHOD

Forty-one knees with valgus deformity (average tibiofemoral angle, 22°; range, 16-29°) in 25 adult patients were treated by oblique femoral supracondylar varus osteotomy and stabilised with retrograde dynamic locked nails. Postoperatively, early ambulation with protected weight bearing and range of motion knee exercises were encouraged.

RESULT

Thirty-five knees of 21 patients were followed-up for an average of 2.6 years (range, 1.1-4.5 years). All osteotomy sites healed with an average union period of 3.4 months (range, 2.5-5.0 months). There were no significant complications. At the latest follow-up, the average tibiofemoral angle was 7.1° valgus (range, 4-10° valgus). For all of the knees, the outcomes were satisfactory (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The technique described here may be a feasible alternative for correction of valgus knee deformity. The advantages of this technique include the use of a biomechanically more appropriate method, a minimal complication rate and a high rate of satisfactory outcomes.

High tibial osteotomy for medial osteoarthritis of the knee: 15 years follow-up

We reviewed 192 patients (224 knees) to assess the results of HTO in medial gonarthrosis during the period 1982-2008. Median follow-up was about 15 years for 134 females and 58 males. Among the knees, 118 had an average opening wedge for varus angle of 13 degrees and 106 had closing wedges of 11 degrees. Knee Society scoring before osteotomies was 68/200 for opening wedge and 81/200 for closing wedge. Modified Ahlback classification showed preoperative grades I (n = 44), II (78), III (83) and IV (19). Healing delay was 55 days for closing and 70 for opening osteotomy. Twenty-nine knees were still painful. Twenty-eight patients were revised and 19 others had complications. After opening wedge osteotomy, scoring was 101/200 and valgus angle was 2 degrees. After closing wedge osteotomy, scoring was 94/200 and valgus angle was 4 degrees. Global results were as follows: very good, 12%; good, 30%; fair, 31%; and poor, 27%. HTO decreases stresses on medial compartments and widens joint space. The average of 5 degrees mechanical valgus at the time of osteotomy seems to be quite effective at the follow-up for at least ten years. Our indications are opening wedge for grades 1-3 and wide varus angle, until the age of between 65-70. Closing wedge is indicated for medium varus in younger patients.