Comparison of patient outcomes with and without graft following modified high tibial osteotomy

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early results of patients with and without grafting with the proximal tibia medial biplanar open wedge osteotomy technique used in the surgical treatment of varus gonarthrosis and to compare them with the literature. Materials and Methods. Thirty-six patients with medial gonarthrosis with varus alignment were included in the study. The proximal tibia medial biplanar open wedge osteotomy was performed on thirtysix knees. In eighteen of these patients, a tricortical graft was applied to the osteotomy site from the iliac wing being noted as Group 1. The other patients who did not receive grafts constituted Group 2. All patients were evaluated according to the Ahlbäck classification. Leg length radiographs were taken for all patients, and the osteotomy angle was calculated according to Paley's measurements. Results. Although the mean union-time at the osteotomy site was shorter in the Group 1, it was not statistically significant. No significant difference was observed in terms of HSS scores, and no reduction loss was observed in any patient. The hematoma was seen in three patients in Group 2 and one patient in Group 1. The donor site problems were observed in 10 patients in Group 1. Conclusions. With proximal tibia medial biplanar osteotomy, frontal plane and sagittal plane deformities can be corrected in patients with varus gonarthrosis, and good clinical results can be obtained without using grafts, thus avoiding donor site complications.