Medial Open-wedge Osteotomy Research Articles

THE USE OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA WITH BONE MARROW ASPIRATE IN PUDDU TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY

Objective: The present study was performed in order to evaluate the use of platelet rich plasma associated to bone marrow aspirate, substituting autologous iliac bone graft in medial opening wedge osteotomy (OWHTO). Methods: Twenty-five patients were submitted to tibial opening wedge osteotomy, being divided into two groups. Iliac group: 14 patients submitted to OWHTO, using autologous iliac bone graft to fill the gap. PRP group: 11 patients using platelet rich plasma associated to bone marrow aspirate to fill the gap. We evaluated bleeding (hemoglobin and hematocrit levels) and pain (visual analogic scale-VAS), then we compared the groups regarding these variables. Results: Differences between the groups were not found regarding hemoglobin levels (p=0.820) and hematocrit levels (p=0.323). The groups were not different regarding pain measured with VAS (p=0.538). Conclusion: The use of platelet rich plasma associated to bone marrow aspirate in medial opening wedge osteotomy did not offer advantages over autologous iliac bone graft regarding bleeding and pain.

Posterior Tibial Slope After Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy of the Varus Degenerative Knee

This study examined whether medial opening wedge osteotomy inadvertently changes posterior tibial slope and whether this change affects range of motion and functional outcomes. Lateral radiographs of 82 knees with varus arthrosis were reviewed to measure posterior tibial slope before and after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. Anterior or posterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees were excluded. Twenty-one osteotomies were performed using distraction osteogenesis/medial external fixator, 26 using acute distraction/Arthrex plate fixation, and 35 using acute distraction/EBI plate fixation. Preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores and range of motion were recorded. Posterior slope increased from a mean of 12.5 degrees preoperatively to 16.5 degrees postoperatively (P<.01). Fixation types revealed no difference in posterior slope change. Large slope changes had less preoperative knee flexion than did small changes (123 versus 131; P=.012). No significant correlation existed between posterior slope change and postoperative Lysholm scores (r=0.047, P>.05). We found that medial opening wedge osteotomy may alter sagittal alignment by increasing posterior tibial slope.

Simultaneous arthroscopic implantation of autologous chondrocytes and high tibial osteotomy for tibial chondral defects in the varus knee

There is no consensus on the ideal management of patients with chondral defects of the medial tibial plateau and varus malalignment of the knee. We performed a cohort study to evaluate the outcome of patients affected by these conditions, who underwent arthroscopic implantation of autologous chondrocytes and a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. Eight patients (four men and four women; mean age, 50 years, range: 42 to 58) with chondral defects of the medial tibial plateau in a varus knee underwent arthroscopic implantations of autologous chondrocytes in conjunction with a medial opening wedge osteotomy. At final post-operative follow up of 28 months following the index procedure, the post-operative scores were improved for the IKDC score (four patients abnormal and four patients severely abnormal to four patients normal, three patients nearly normal and one patient abnormal), Lysholm score (65.7 range 49–88 to 94.6 range89–100), Tegner score (3.7 range3–5 to 7 range 5–8) and VAS score (7.2 to 2.0). In conclusion, the association of arthroscopic implantation of autologous chondrocytes with a medial opening wedge osteotomy of the proximal tibia is a viable option for the management of chondral defects in varus knees.

Which is the best fixation method for lateral cortex disruption in the medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy? A biomechanical study

When performing a medial opening wedge upper tibial osteotomy, a fracture into the lateral cortex can lead to loss of stability of the construct. The aim of this study was to assess different intra-operative techniques to overcome this problem, and test the stability under axial compression. Twenty eight calf tibias had a medial opening wedge osteotomy and lateral cortical fracture created and then were tested in four groups depending on how this fracture was fixed; none, a plate and screws, two staples, and a circular external fixator. Loss of medial height of the osteotomy line and lateral cortex micromotion was evaluated under maximal axial loading of 2500 N. No fixation had significantly inferior results compared with the other three types. The plate and screws and staples showed better results than circular external fixation in terms of preserving the medial height, whereas the plate and screws and circular external fixator showed better results compared with staples in terms of lateral cortex stability. This study suggests that plate and screw fixation for lateral cortex disruption during the medial opening wedge upper tibial osteotomy has better stability under axial compression than staples or a circular external fixator.

The Effect of a Proximal Tibial Medial Opening Wedge Osteotomy on Posterolateral Knee Instability

Background Increased stability of posterolateral corner knee injuries has been observed clinically after proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomies. Hypothesis Static varus and external rotatory stability will be significantly improved in a knee with a grade 3 posterolateral knee injury after a proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Biomechanical testing of 10 nonpaired, cadaveric knees was performed in the intact state, after transection of the posterolateral corner (fibular collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament), and after a 10-mm proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy. Loading conditions consisted of 12 N.m varus moments and 6 N.m external rotation torques. Six degrees of freedom motion analysis was used to assess motion changes, and a buckle transducer was used to measure the force on the superficial medial collateral ligament during applied loads. Results After transection of the posterolateral corner structures, a significant increase in varus rotation was found to applied varus moments with a mean increased opening of 5.9° to varus stress at 30° and 5.8° at 90° of knee flexion. After proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy, varus rotation was increased by a mean of 1.6° at 30° and 1.7° at 90° of knee flexion compared with the intact state. There was a significant decrease in varus rotation to a varus moment after osteotomy compared with the posterolateral sectioned state at both 30° and 90°. External rotation of the knee increased by 4.7° at 30° and 4.8° at 90° after posterolateral structure sectioning compared with the intact state. After the osteotomy, there was a significant decrease in external rotation compared with the posterolateral sectioned state, and there was no significant difference in external rotation compared with the intact state. There was a significant increase in force on the superficial medial collateral ligament after the osteotomy compared with both the intact and posterolateral corner cut state for both an applied varus moment and external rotation torque at both 30° and 90°. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that a proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy decreased varus and external rotation laxity for posterolateral corner–deficient knees. Concurrently, an increase in force was observed on the superficial medial collateral ligament compared with the native state. Clinical Significance The improved stability observed in some patients with grade 3 posterolateral knee injuries after a proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy appears to at least in part be due to tightening of the superficial medial collateral ligament. The long-term consequences of the increased force on the superficial medial collateral ligament on the medial compartment, and whether it elongates with time, merit further investigation.

Pes Varus Correction in Dachshunds Using a Hybrid External Fixator

To describe surgical correction of pes varus deformity in Dachshunds by acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal aspect of the tibia stabilized with a hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF), and report clinical and radiographic outcomes. Multicenter, retrospective clinical study. Immature Dachshunds (n=13) with pes varus deformity. Limb function and lameness scores were assigned before and after surgery, and correction was determined visually at surgery. Tibiotarsal joint orientation (TTJO) and medial and lateral tibial cortex lengths, measured on radiographs of deformed and normal (when available) limbs, were compared before correction and after fixator removal. Pes varus deformities (n=14) were corrected; 93% had good to excellent clinical outcome. None of the dogs had a normal preoperative gait. Mean TTJO of abnormal and normal tibiae before surgery were 29 degrees varus (median, 28 degrees), and 12 degrees valgus (median, 12 degrees). Angular correction ranged from 20 degrees to 51 degrees (mean, 36+/-8 degrees; median, 36 degrees). Mean TTJO after fixator removal was 7 degrees valgus (median, 7 degrees). Two dogs had minor transient postoperative complications whereas 3 had major complications; only 1 of which was resolved. Pes varus deformity in Dachshunds can be corrected by acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal aspect of the tibia stabilized by HESF. Technique modifications are needed to improve correction precision. Visual inspection of limb alignment during surgery resulted in good to excellent clinical outcomes; however, 91% of tibiae were under- or overcorrected (mean, 6 degrees; median, 5 degrees). Limb alignment should be based on evaluation of immediate postoperative TTJO measurements, not solely on intraoperative visual assessment.

Computerassistierte valgisierende Tibiakopfosteotomie

The open-wedge high tibial osteotomy is an established procedure for the treatment of the unicompartimental gonarthrosis in young patients. An adequate correction of osseous malalignment is crucial for a sufficient reduction of stress in a diseased compartment. We have examined reliability and precision of an intraoperatively used computer-assisted navigation system for high tibial osteotomy. The aim of the study is to show the equivalent safety and effectiveness of high tibial osteotomies carried out with the computer-assisted navigation system. It is assumed that a good correlation between the mechanical tibio-femoral axis as measured by radiography and by the navigation system can be achieved. 40 medial open-wedge osteotomies were performed with computer-assisted navigation on 39 patients (27 males, 12 females) between 1/2004 and 8/2006. The average age was 46.3 years (range: 26 - 64 years), the average weight was 83.2 kg (range: 54 - 118 kg). A good correlation between radiographic data and the data acquired with the navigation system was found for the tibio-femoral axis: preoperative data (8.0 +/- 2.5 degrees, radiographic; 7.8 +/- 2.1 degrees navigated) for varus alignment. The postoperative correlation was lower than the preoperative one (postoperative data (0.6 +/- 3.2 degrees radiographic; - 0.7 +/- 1.0 degrees navigated) for valgus alignment. In 2 patients a loss of correction occurred and had to be treated operatively. High tibial osteotomy is an established therapy procedure for unicompartmental gonarthrosis. It can be improved in its precision and reliability by computer-assisted navigation.

High Tibial Osteotomy: The Italian Experience

Osteotomy is one of the more ancient orthopaedic procedures still used today. Today, new knowledge and technology about bone healing and better fixations to accelerate postoperative management have allowed high tibial osteotomy to become a useful procedure for active patients younger than 60 years of age with symptomatic unicompartmental disease and osseous deformity of the knee. An important advantage of this procedure is the possibility of combining with it the articular cartilage procedure (osteochondral grafts, autologous chondrocyte implantation), meniscus transplantation , or ligament reconstruction . The 2 main techniques to produce valgus realignment of the knee are lateral closing wedge osteotomy and medial opening wedge osteotomy. We also can perform elevation osteotomy in posttraumatic cases and procurvation osteotomy to correct genu recurvatum . Most complications resulting from osteotomy can be avoided by careful patient selection and accurate preoperative planning. Therefore, the role of high tibial osteotomy is not only curative as in treating cartilage damage and posttraumatic axial deviation in patients older than 50 years but also preventive in degenerative joint diseases of young patients with congenital or posttraumatic axial deviation or anatomical deformation of the knee joint.

Proximal tibia medial open-wedge osteotomy using plates with wedges: early results in 58 cases

We evaluated in this study indications, surgical technique, and results of wedge plates for fixation in proximal tibia medial opening wedge osteotomy. Fifty-eight knees in 56 consecutive patients (9 men, 47 women; mean age 52 years; ranging between 36 and 66 years) with medial compartment osteoarthrosis were treated with proximal tibia medial open-wedge osteotomy. For fixation, plates which were designed by the first author and which support the osteotomy surface with wedge-shaped projections were used. The plates were either rectangular in shape with two or four holes or had an inverse "L" shape with four holes, and had bearing metal wedges of varying heights from 5 to 15 mm. Tricortical (n=8) and bicortical (n=43) iliac bone autografts and allografts (n=7) were used. The average follow-up time was 21 months (ranging between 6 and 44 months). The mean preoperative tibiofemoral angle was 4.6 degrees varus (0 degrees -11 degrees ) while it was 5.6 degrees valgus (2 degrees -11 degrees ) postoperatively. The mean preoperative HSS score was 58 (range 51-75) and it was found 89 (range 79-96) postoperatively. As complications, lateral tibial plateau fracture in 5 knees (8.6%) and lateral cortex fracture in 15 knees (25.8%) were encountered during surgery. Deep vein thrombosis in two cases (3.4%) and nonfatal pulmonary embolism in one case (1.7%), delayed wound healing in two knees (3.4%), and delayed union as well as breakdown of a distal screw in one knee (1.7%) were encountered postoperatively. In conclusion, using wedge plates for fixation of proximal tibia medial opening wedge osteotomy in the treatment of medial osteoarthritis with unicompartmental involvement of the knee, provides adequate stabilization to allow early movement for functional rehabilitation and keeps the obtained correction level.

Biomechanical investigation of different internal fixations in medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy

The medial opening-wedge osteotomy for treatment of varus gonarthritis has become very popular in recent years. Different implants for internal fixation after the osteotomy have been created. It is still unclear, which principle of internal fixation (angle stable or non-angle-stable plate with or without spacer) has the best biomechanical properties. The aim of this study was to determine the biomechanical properties of different fixation techniques in medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy in a porcine bone model. A 10-mm high tibial opening-wedge osteotomy was performed and stabilized with plates of similar dimensions but different functional principle (conventional plate, angle stable plate with or without spacer). Biomechanical properties (stiffness, displacement within the osteotomy space and load at failure) were evaluated under axial load. Plates which contain a spacer had a significantly higher stiffness at a load at 1000 N (p < 0.05). This correlates with a significantly reduced deformation within the osteotomy space. The strength at failure was not different between the groups. The use of a spacer in a conventional plate produces fractures of the lateral tibial cortex. In angle stable plates and plates containing spacers, the failure was caused by fractures of the lateral tibia surface, the fibula or by displacement within the tibio-fibular joint. The failure was caused primarily by implant insufficiency in plates without spacers. In a model with comparable conditions, implants which contain a spacer have superior biomechanical properties. Angle stable plates may prevent fractures of the lateral cortex after opening-wedge osteotomy.

High Tibial Osteotomy

High tibial osteotomy is effective for managing a variety of knee conditions, including gonarthrosis with varus or valgus malalignment, osteochondritis dissecans, osteonecrosis, posterolateral instability, and chondral resurfacing. The fundamental goals of the procedure are to unload diseased articular surfaces and to correct angular deformity at the tibiofemoral articulation. Although the clinical success of total knee arthroplasty has resulted in fewer high tibial osteotomies being done during the past decade, the procedure remains useful in appropriately selected patients with unicompartmental knee disease. Renewed interest in high tibial osteotomy has occurred for a number of reasons. These include the prevalence of physiologically young active patients presenting with medial compartment osteoarthritis; the advent of new techniques for performing the procedure (ie, improved instrumentation and fixation plates for medial opening wedge osteotomy, dynamic external fixation for medial opening wedge osteotomy, and improved instrumentation for lateral closing wedge osteotomy); and the need to concomitantly correct malalignment when performing chondral resurfacing procedures (ie, autologous chondrocyte transplantation, mosaicplasty, and microfracture).

A new distractor with angle-scale for proximal tibia medial opening wedge osteotomy

Lateral tibial plateau fractures or lateral cortex fractures may occur when performing medial opening wedge osteotomy. Some special tools have been described to prevent lateral tibial plateau or lateral cortex fracture during the medial separation of the osteotomy planes in medial opening wedge osteotomy. The author has developed a distractor with angle-scale to prevent such complications. Between December 2001 and April 2004, 40 opening wedge osteotomies stabilised with the plate with wedge were performed on 38 patients. The distraction of initial osteotomies in 25 knees was done with different techniques and there were three lateral tibial plateau fractures and nine lateral cortex fractures. The remaining, recently operated, 15 knees were treated with the aid of the above described angle-scale distractor to prevent lateral tibial plateau and lateral cortex fractures. There was no lateral tibial plateau fractures during the surgery when we used this instrument for the distraction of the osteotomy sites. A subsequent prospective study evaluated this new device.

Valgisation tibiale par ouverture médiale utilisant un coin de céramique de phosphate tricalcique: À propos de 70 cas revus avec un recul moyen de 18 mois

Purpose of the study We report our experience with a β tricalcium phosphate ceramic to fill open-wedge tibial osteotomy gaps. Material and methods Seventy high tibial open-wedge osteotomies were performed in 70 patients (47 men and 23 women). Ostotomy was performed for osteoarthritis in 56 knees, Ahlback classification stage I (n = 18), stage II (n = 32), stage III (n = 6) and for congenital varus in 14. Mean patient age was 45.2 years (16-69). We used a wedge-shaped piece of ceramic with an appropriate angle, which was associated with granulated material to complete the gap filling for the last 20 cases. One or two staples were used for fixation. Clinical and radiological outcome was assessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and at last follow-up. Mean follow-up was 18 months. Results There were no biological or clinical complications related to biomaterial intolerance. Tolerance to the osteosynthesis material was mediocre since we observed one infection and 12 cases of pain related to the staples which required material removal in 8 patients. Bone healing was achieved in 98.5%. Final correction was between 3° and 6° valgus in 80.5%. There was a loss of correction angle between the postoperative film and the bone healing film. Factors related to sustained correction were: non-fractured wedge, intact lateral tibial cortical, osteosynthesis with two staples. Osteointegration was good and rapid in 96%. We found two complete lucent lines at last follow-up but with variable resorption depending on the shape of the bone substitute. Conclusion Use of a ceramic wedge to fill high tibial medial open-wedge osteotomy gap is a reliable reproducible technique providing correction without formation of a malalignment callus. Bone healing is achieved in 98.5% of the cases at about three months. Osteointegration is good in 96%. Resorption is complete and rapid when the substitute is implanted in granular form in a cancellous zone and is partial and slow when implanted as a massive wedge.

Opening Wedge Tibial Osteotomy: The 3-Triangle Method to Correct Axial Alignment and Tibial Slope

Background Although a change in tibial slope may occur during a medial opening wedge osteotomy, calculations have not been defined to address this problem. The authors investigated geometric factors important to correct axial alignment and tibial slope during osteotomy. Purpose To calculate, through 3-dimensional analysis of the proximal tibia, how the angle of the opening wedge along the anteromedial tibial cortex influences the tibial slope (sagittal plane) and valgus correction (coronal plane) during osteotomy, and to analyze the different radiographic methods reported in the literature to measure medial and lateral tibial slope. The authors postulated that differences in reported normal values of tibial slope in the sagittal plane were technique dependent. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study Methods The proximal anteromedial tibial cortex obliquity on magnetic resonance imaging was measured in 35 knees. Serial computed tomography images of the proximal tibia were digitized, allowing a series of virtual opening wedge osteotomies to be performed. Algebraic calculations defined the effect of an opening wedge osteotomy on the anteromedial tibial cortex opening wedge angle, sagittal tibial slope angle, and coronal valgus alignment. Results The anteromedial tibial cortex oblique angle at the medial osteotomy site was 45°± 6° and determined, along with the degrees of valgus correction, the degrees of the opening wedge angle in the oblique plane. The anterior osteotomy gap at the tibial tubercle was generally one half of the posteromedial gap to maintain the normal sagittal tibial slope. Every millimeter of gap error at the tibial tubercle resulted in approximately 2° of change in the tibial slope. The width of the buttress plate along the anteromedial tibial cortex was 2 to 3 mm less than the computed coronal valgus posteromedial osteotomy gap to achieve tibiofemoral valgus correction. Conclusions A series of measurements preoperatively and intraoperatively are required to obtain the desired correction of tibial slope and valgus alignment.

Open wedge high tibial osteotomy: biomechanical investigation of the modified Arthrex Osteotomy Plate (Puddu Plate) and the TomoFix Plate

Objective. To determine the biomechanical properties of different fixation methods for high tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy in order to determine appropriate surgical and rehabilitation guidelines. Design. A biomechanical testing examined the construct stiffness and the fixation strength of two different plates. Background. Although medial opening wedge techniques for high tibial osteotomies have become popular in recent years, biomechanical data of frequently used implants is lacking. Methods. A 15-mm medial opening gap was stabilized in each of eight medium composite tibial bones either with the modified Arthrex Osteotomy Plate (Puddu Plate) or the TomoFix Plate. Results. Both constructs failed under compression and torsion at the lateral cortex and occurred at higher maximal forces by using the TomoFix Plate. After fracture of the lateral cortex the axial stiffness was reduced by 47% and the torsional rigidity by 54% for the TomoFix. For the Puddu Plate these reductions were 66% and 78%, respectively. The differences between the two groups were significant in all conducted tests ( P < 0.05). Conclusions. This study indicates that an unharmed lateral hinge largely dictates the stability after high tibial osteotomy. If the lateral cortex is injured, the TomoFix plate provides superior stability in both compression and torsion compared to the Puddu Plate. In the latter case additional fixation might be considered. Relevance These biomechanical tests helped to identify clinical situations in which the mechanical attributes of the plates would prove advantageous.

Accuracy of frontal and sagittal plane correction in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the accuracy of correction in the frontal plane and to evaluate whether a frontal plane correction influences the sagittal slope of the proximal tibial surface in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy. Type of Study: Retrospective review. Methods: In this study, 30 patients (32 knees) with a mean age of 38 years (range, 20 to 66 years) were available for follow-up evaluation at a minimum interval of 24 months (mean, 42 months; range, 24 to 62 months). A normal axis was planned for a varus morphotype without evidence of osteoarthrosis. If one third of the thickness of the medial cartilage was lost, the new mechanical axis was planned to pass lateral to the center of the knee at the 10% position (where the 0% position is at the center of the knee joint and the 100% position is at the lateral border of the plateau). When two thirds were lost, the new mechanical axis was planned to pass through the 20% position. If total cartilage loss was present, the mechanical axis was planned to pass through the 30% position. The correction was estimated as good when the mechanical axis was found to be approximately ± 5% of the width of the tibial plateau. The angle of the osteotomy and the size of the wedge-shaped bone graft were calculated using the “push” orthoradiogram. Results: Consolidation of the osteotomy was obtained after a mean period of 8.4 weeks (range, 6 to 13 weeks). The mean amount of valgus correction was 5.9°. Sixteen of 32 knees (50%) showed the desired position of the mechanical axis. Ten knees (31%) showed an undercorrection; 6 knees (19%) an overcorrection. The mean increase of the posterior tibial slope was 2.7° (range, −8° to 10°). Conclusions: The medial open-wedge osteotomy of the proximal tibia has a tendency to increase the posterior tibial slope. This effect is unfavorable in anterior knee instability because it increases the anterior translation of the tibia. Increasing the posterior slope can be favorable in posterior instability because it reduces the posterior sag. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Complications in high tibial (medial opening wedge) osteotomy.

The high tibial (medial opening wedge) osteotomy (HTO) is a standard procedure in the treatment of varus gonarthrosis. This is potentially associated with various complications. The aim of this study was an analysis of complications and potential technical mistakes. A total of 85 patients (49 male and 36 female) suffering from varus gonarthrosis underwent a medial opening wedge HTO. The osteotomy was fixed in 55 patients by a spacer plate (Puddu plate; group A). In group B (n=30), the osteotomies were fixed by C-plate. The rate of complications was 43.6% in group A and 16.7% in group B (p<0.05). Infraction of the lateral tibial head is a possible intraoperative complication. This was seen in 11.7%. An additional osteosynthesis was required in group A. In contrast, the C-plate can solve this problem without additional measures. General complications of the HTO were seen: infection (4.7%), hematoma (4.7%), and thrombosis (2.3%). In every case of a severe deep infection, the osteotomy space was filled with synthetic bone graft. These grafts were used only in group A. Failure of the implants is a potential cause of loss of correction. This complication was seen nine times in group A but never in group B. A diligent surgical technique and a convenient implant are obligatory in (medial opening wedge) HTO.

Dupuytren's disease.

Dupuytren's disease.

Supracondylar medial open wedge osteotomy with external fixation for cubitus varus deformity.

Many surgical procedures are used for the correction of cubitus varus deformity in children. Even if the primary indication is cosmetic, but many poor results have been described. The technique of a supracondylar medial opening wedge osteotomy with external fixation is presented and preliminary results in four cases are reported. An antero-medial approach is chosen with exposition and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. Under image intensifier control, insertion of four Schanz screws is performed from medial to lateral. In between, an incomplete medial osteotomy is performed obliquely (in the antero-posterior as well as in the medio-lateral plane), leaving a small part of the radial humeral cortex intact. The osteotomy is opened until varus and, if present, hyperextension deformation are corrected. Then, the fixator system is applied. All osteotomies healed primarily. Mean valgus correction of 21.75 degrees was achieved; in only one patient additional flexion modification of 17 degrees was necessary. At a follow-up of at least 2 years clinically three out of four presented symmetric elbow position, one slight residual varus deformity was noted in spite of 20 degrees of valgization due to important valgus position of the contralateral side. No lateral bulging of the corrected elbow was observed. The described technique is an alternative to other procedures, with special regard to the cosmetic outcome as well as to the control of correction for valgus and flexion.

Transcuneiform and Opening Wedge Medial Cuneiform Osteotomy With Closing Wedge Cuboid Osteotomy in Relapsed Clubfoot

Ten patients (13 feet) aged 4 to 11 years with idiopathic clubfeet underwent bony correction for resistant supination and adduction deformities. A closing wedge cuboid osteotomy and medial cuneiform opening wedge and transcuneiform osteotomy were performed in all cases. The average improvement in anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle of 22 degrees, calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle of 13 degrees, and lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal of 9 degrees confirmed the clinically satisfactory correction in all feet. However, one foot required repeat surgery 2 years after the index procedure.