Tubercle Osteotomy Research Articles

Neer Award 2007: Reversion of structural muscle changes caused by chronic rotator cuff tears using continuous musculotendinous traction. An experimental study in sheep

Chronic rotator cuff tears are associated with irreversible architectural muscle changes and a high rate of repair failure. The changes observed in man and their irreversibility with a single stage repair can be reproduced in sheep. It was the purpose of this experiment to test the hypothesis that slow, continuous elongation of a retracted musculotendinous unit allows reversal of the currently irreversible structural muscle changes. The infraspinatus tendon of 12 sheep was released using a greater tuberosity osteotomy and allowed to retract for 4 months. Then, a new device was mounted on the scapular spine and used to extend the infraspinatus muscuculotendinous unit transcutaneously by 1 mm per day. Thereafter, the tendon was repaired back to the greater tuberosity. We assessed the muscular architecture using magnetic resonance imaging, macroscopic dissection, histology, and electron microscopy. Fatty infiltration (in Hounsfield units 1/4 HU) and muscular cross-sectional area (in % of the control side) were monitored with computed tomography at tendon release, initiation of elongation, repair, and at sacrifice. Sixteen weeks after tendon release, the mean tendon retraction was 29 +/- 6 mm (14% of original length, P = .008). In 8 sheep, elongation was achieved as planned (group I), but in 4, the elongation failed technically (group II). The mean traction time was 24 +/- 6 days with a mean traction distance of 19 +/- 4 mm. At sacrifice, the mean pennation angle in the infraspinatus of group I was not different from the control side (29.8 degrees +/-7.5 degrees vs. 30 degrees +/-6 degrees , P = .575). In group II, the pennation angle had increased from 30 degrees +/-6 degrees to 55 degrees +/-14 degrees (P = .035). There was no fatty infiltration at the time of tendon release. After retraction, there was a significant increase in fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus muscle and a decrease of its cross-sectional area to 57% of the contralateral side (P = .0001). During traction, the degree of fatty infiltration remained unchanged (36 HU to 38 HU, P = .381), and atrophy improved to a muscle square area of 78% of the contralateral side (P = .0001) in group I. In group II, an increase of fatty infiltration was measured from 36 HU to 28 HU; however, this increase was not significant (P = .144). Atrophy did not change in group II (57-55%, P = .946). At sacrifice, the remaining muscle mass was 64% in group I and 46% in group II (P = .019). Our preliminary results document, that continuous elongation of a retracted, fatty infiltrated and atrophied musculotendinous unit is technically feasible. In the sheep, continuous elongation can lead to restoration of normal muscle architecture, to partial reversal of muscle atrophy, and to arrest of the progression of fatty infiltration. Basic science level 2; Prospective comparative therapeutic study.

Trochlear Contact Pressures after Straight Anteriorization of the Tibial Tuberosity

Background Anteromedialization of the tibial tuberosity has been shown to decrease mean total contact pressures of the lateral trochlea and to shift contact pressures to the medial trochlea. Hypothesis Modifying the anteromedialization osteotomy to a straight anteriorization osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity can decrease trochlear contact pressures without a resultant medial shift of forces to the medial trochlear contact area. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Ten cadavers were tested before and after straight anteriorization tibial tuberosity osteotomy by loading the extensor mechanism with 89.1 and 178.2 N at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion following a validated patellofemoral joint loading protocol. Contact pressures were measured with electroresistive pressure sensors placed directly on the trochlea. Results The mean trochlear contact pressures after osteotomy decreased significantly (P < .05) for loads of 89.1 and 178.2 N at both 30° (23% and 20%, respectively) and 60° (18.7% and 31.9%, respectively) of knee flexion. The peak contact pressures decreased significantly (P < .05) for loads of 89.1 and 178.2 N at 30° (24.3% and 27.0%, respectively) and 60° (31.9% and 24.5%, respectively) and for loads of 89.1 N at 90° (13.4%) of knee flexion. Conclusion The authors demonstrated significantly decreased trochlear contact forces after straight anteriorization osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity, without a significant resultant medial shift of the center of force. Clinical Relevance Straight anteriorization of the tibial tuberosity may be a useful adjunct for patients with medial articular defects of the patellar or trochlea in whom anteromedialization would be otherwise contraindicated.

Subscapularis Tenotomy or Osteotomy? Opening the Door

The surgical approach to conventional total shoulder replacement requires a trans subscapularis approach. Some investigators have found that subscapularis dysfunction accompanies a significant percentage of patients who undergo this reconstructive surgery. Consequently, considerable controversy and discussion have erupted regarding the optimal method of managing the subscapularis during the surgical approach. Historically a subscapularis tenotomy was the preferred method of entering the glenohumeral joint. This then necessitated a tendon-to-tendon repair during the cuff repair and joint closure. Some authors feel that bone-to bone healing is more predictable than the soft tissue repair alone and hence recommend a lesser tuberosity osteotomy as the more optimal way to access the joint. In this way, as the argument is put forth, the subscapularis tendon is not violated because the entire construct of the lesser tuberosity and subscapularis muscle and tendon are retracted medially. Closure is then performed using bone-to-bone osteosynthesis techniques. But is this newer technique another classic solution looking for a problem or does it merely create even more opportunities for newer and different complications? This presentation will discuss these issues and summarize contemporary recommendations.

Conventional Shoulder Arthroplasty in the Athlete

Humeral head replacement and total shoulder arthroplasty are successful procedures for improving pain and function for patients with glenohumeral arthritis and intact rotator cuff. Shoulder replacement is becoming more commonplace in younger patients and in an elderly population, with increasing numbers participating in sports. Therefore, many patients have greater expectations of postoperative function, including return to athletics. Before surgery, it is important to counsel the patient regarding the types of activities that are safe and those that are not recommended. Patient expectations can also be managed by evaluating the preoperative level of function and the cause of the glenohumeral arthritis. In general, patients with greater athletic aptitude before surgery will have an easier time returning to sports. Postoperatively, the rehabilitation program is designed to first restore range of motion and improve function in activities of daily living. At 3 months postoperatively, the rehabilitation program becomes more individualized for each patient and sports-specific training is allowed. Performing lesser tuberosity osteotomy when repairing the subscapularis might allow for more reliable healing and greater function after surgery. Ultimately, patient satisfaction with the outcome of shoulder replacement is dependent on a combination of preoperative expectations for athletic participation after surgery and postoperative subjective assessment of symptoms and function.

Subscapularis function after total shoulder replacement: Results with lesser tuberosity osteotomy

Until recently, little consideration was placed on the integrity of the subscapularis tendon after total shoulder arthroplasty. We have noted that several of our patients exhibited loss of internal rotation strength and subscapularis function after total shoulder arthroplasty utilizing an anatomic soft tissue repair of the subscapularis, both with and without bone tunnels. On the basis of those results, we began removing the subscapularis with a small piece of bone by a lesser tuberosity osteotomy in an attempt to achieve improved subscapularis function through bony healing at the repair site. A retrospective review of 28 patients (30 shoulders) was done of patients who had total shoulder arthroplasty performed between 2001 and 2003. The lesser tuberosity and attached subscapularis were repaired through bone tunnels in all cases. The mean follow-up was 1.1 years. Terminal internal rotation was evaluated by the belly-press examination. Subscapularis function was assessed by the patient's ability to tuck in a shirt behind the back, and 25 of 30 patients (83.3%) reported no difficulty. Belly-press examination results were normal in 18 of 30 patients (60%). Removal of the subscapularis through a lesser tuberosity osteotomy results in reliable restoration of internal rotation strength after total shoulder arthroplasty, as measured by the ability to perform a stomach press and to tuck in a shirt. In comparing these results with our earlier cohort of patients with similar demographics and postoperative rehabilitation that had soft tissue repair, improved results were seen in the group that underwent lesser tuberosity osteotomy.

Concomitant Meniscal Allograft Transplantation and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

Background Although recent studies have shown intermediate-term success of both meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) performed separately, there have been no peer-reviewed studies focused prospectively on the combined procedure. By potentially reestablishing a compartment contact area closer to normal, MAT may allow a more optimal environment for ACI by reducing stress (stress = force/unit area). On the other hand, the literature suggests that MAT alone in the presence of extensive chondrosis performs poorly. Restoring the articular cartilage may allow the MAT to perform more similarly to series with nearly normal articular cartilage. Hypothesis Performed concomitantly, ACI and MAT will result in significant improvements in knee function as measured by functional scoring scales and visual analog pain scales. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Preoperative and postoperative comparisons of Browne modified Cincinnati functional levels, Lysholm, visual analog rest and maximum pain, and satisfaction scores were recorded. Thirty-six total procedures were performed between 1999 and 2004. Results Of the 36 patients entering the series, 29 had >2-year evaluation and scores. Four patients were recorded as failures before the 2-year follow-up and required revision surgery. Three patients were lost to follow-up. A total of 21 medial and 8 lateral MAT/femoral condyle ACIs were performed. Sixteen of 29 patients had concomitant procedures performed, including tibial tuberosity osteotomy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and high tibial osteotomy. Patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the standardized outcome surveys, visual analog pain, and satisfaction scores. The Browne Cincinnati (Patient and Clinician, respectively) showed an improvement from 3.9 (standard deviation [SD], 1.5) and 4.0 (SD, 1.4) preoperatively to 6.3 (SD, 1.9) postoperatively for both. The Lysholm also showed an improvement from 57.7 (SD, 16.2) preoperatively to 77.7 (SD, 19.3) postoperatively. There were no significant differences noted in any of the subgroups (medial vs lateral, isolated vs concomitant, or unipolar vs bipolar). Conclusion At a minimum of 2-year follow-up, MAT in combination with ACI demonstrates improvement in both symptoms and knee function. However, the improvements are less than literature-reported outcomes of either procedure performed in isolation.

The effect of high tibial osteotomy on the results of total knee arthroplasty: a matched case control study

BackgroundWe performed a matched case control study to assess the effect of prior high tibia valgus producing osteotomy on results and complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsFrom 1996 until 2003 356 patients underwent all cemented primary total knee replacement in our institution. Twelve patients with a history of 14 HTO were identified and matched to a control group of 12 patients with 14 primary TKA without previous HTO. The match was made for gender, age, date of surgery, body mass index, aetiology and type of prosthesis. Clinical and radiographic outcome were evaluated after a median duration of follow-up of 3.7 years (minimum, 2.3 years). The SPSS program was used for statistical analyses.ResultsThe index group had more perioperative blood loss and exposure difficulties with one tibial tuberosity osteotomy and three patients with lateral retinacular releases. No such procedures were needed in the control group. Mid-term HSS, KSS and WOMAC scores were less favourable for the index group, but these differences were not significant. The tibial slope of patients with prior HTO was significantly decreased after this procedure. The tibial posterior inclination angle was corrected during knee replacement but posterior inclination was significantly less compared to the control group. No deep infection or knee component loosening were seen in the group with prior HTO.ConclusionWe conclude that TKA after HTO seems to be technically more demanding than a primary knee arthroplasty, but clinical outcome was almost identical to a matched group that had no HTO previously.

Prospective study of the incidence of serious posterior maxillary haemorrhage during a tuberosity osteotomy in low level Le Fort I operations

The incidence of serious haemorrhage in Le Fort I osteotomy is low and attempts to reduce this further have led to the development of various techniques to minimise vascular injury. This includes the tuberosity osteotomy and was published over two decades ago. This technique has not been widely adopted as shown by a recent UK survey of consultants, which suggested that only 12 (7%) of the 175 surgeons who responded, routinely use tuberosity osteotomy in non-cleft low level Le Fort I procedures. The aim of the study was to examine prospectively the incidence of serious haemorrhage from the posterior maxilla during tuberosity osteotomy. We report 35 consecutive patients who have had no operative or postoperative vascular complications.

Patellofemoral contact pressure following high tibial osteotomy: a cadaveric study

Patella infera is a known complication of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) that can cause anterior knee pain due to excessive stresses associated with abnormal patellofemoral (PF) joint biomechanics. However, the translation of these abnormal biomechanics to native cartilage pressure has not been explored. The present study was designed to compare the PF contact pressures of three different HTOs in a human cadaveric model of valgus tibiofemoral correction. Nine fresh cadaveric knees underwent (1) medial opening wedge (OWHTO) with a proximal tuberosity osteotomy (PTO), (2) OWHTO with a distal tuberosity osteotomy (DTO), and (3) a lateral closing wedge (CWHTO). The specimens were mounted in a custom knee simulation rig, with muscle forces being simulated using a pulley system and weights. The PF contact pressure was recorded using an electronic pressure sensor at 15 degrees , 30 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees , and 120 degrees of knee flexion, with results of the intact knees obtained as relative control. Compared to the intact knee, the DTO OWHTO and CWHTO did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence PF pressure at any flexion angle. On the other hand, PTO OWHTO lead to a significant elevation in PF cartilage pressure at 30 degrees (P < 0.05), 60 degrees (P < 0.005), and 90 degrees (P < 0.0005) knee flexion. We conclude from these results that DTO OWHTO maintains normal joint biomechanics and has no significant effect on PF cartilage pressure. In patients who complain of pre-existing anterior knee pain, DTO OWHTO or CWHTO should be considered.

Glenoid Exposure During Shoulder Replacement

Glenoid exposure for total shoulder replacement can be challenging and represents the most difficult part of the procedure. Exposure requires both humeral and glenoid-based releases. We prefer a lesser tuberosity osteotomy instead of a subscapularis takedown. The osteotomy offers significant advantages for glenoid visualization by decreasing the encroachment of anterior humeral bone. Specific glenoid-based releases are then performed in this sequential fashion: 1) the rotator interval including the coracohumeral and superior glenohumeral ligament is released, 2) the middle glenohumeral ligament is divided in an inferior direction, 3) the inferior glenohumeral ligament is then divided as the inferior extension of the above dissection, and 4) posterior glenoid retractors are placed and the axillary nerve is directly visualized. An inferior capsular release then is performed dependent on the necessity of further exposure.

Shoulder Arthroplasty for Posttraumatic Arthritis

Posttraumatic arthritis is a degenerative arthritis of the glenohumeral joint that develops after previous fracture and is characterized by bony deformity and soft tissue changes. Articular incongruity in the absence of significant deformity is a good prognostic factor, as is the ability to correct all osseous and soft tissue abnormalities. The need for greater tuberosity osteotomy is a poor prognostic factor. Poor results may also be due to irreparable soft tissue deficits, tension on the tuberosities interfering with healing, limited healing potential in the presence of nonunion, poor patient compliance, and prosthetic design not being conducive to tuberosity reattachment.

Lesser Tuberosity Osteotomy for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Surgical Technique

Lesser Tuberosity Osteotomy for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Surgical Technique

Effectiveness of replacement arthroplasty with calcar grafting and avoidance of greater tuberosity osteotomy for the treatment of humeral surgical neck nonunions

A retrospective review was conducted on 12 patients (mean age, 63 years) undergoing replacement arthroplasty with calcar grafting for humeral surgical neck nonunions. Patients were evaluated preoperatively for pain and range of motion and postoperatively by use of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scores. Indications included severe pain, disability, humeral head destruction, and inadequate bone stock. Nine patients were available for a mean of 69 months' follow-up. Eight underwent humeral head replacement, and one underwent total shoulder replacement. None required greater tuberosity osteotomy. Previously, open reduction-internal fixation had failed in 2 and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning had failed in 1. Calcar grafts were incorporated in 7 of 9 patients. Postoperative pain was absent in 7 and mild in 2. Mean active forward elevation improved by 64 degrees . Mean active external rotation improved by 45 degrees . Postoperatively, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores averaged 80 and Constant scores averaged 64. Replacement arthroplasty with calcar grafting is a reliable treatment option for surgical neck nonunions.

Footwear traction and knee joint moments

Patellar complications are a source of poor total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes that can require re-operation or prosthetic revision. Complications can occur with or without patellar resurfacing. The objective of this work is to answer six questions. (1) Have risk factors been identified, and can they help to prevent patellar complications? Patellar complications are associated with valgus, obesity, lateral retinacular release, and a thin patella. Selecting a prosthetic trochlea that will ensure proper patellar tracking is important. Resurfacing is an option if patellar thickness is greater than 12 mm. (2) What is the best management of patellar fracture? The answer depends on two factors: (a) is the extensor apparatus disrupted? and (b) is the patellar implant loose? When either factor is present, revision surgery is needed (extensor apparatus reconstruction, prosthetic implant removal). When neither factor is present, non-operative treatment is the rule. (3) What is the best management of patellar instability? Rotational malalignment should be sought. In the event of femoral and/or tibial rotational malalignment, revision surgery should be considered. If not performed, options consist of medial patello-femoral ligament reconstruction and/or medialization tibial tuberosity osteotomy. (4) What is the best management of patellar clunk syndrome? When physiotherapy fails, arthroscopic resection can be considered. Recurrence can be treated by open resection, despite the higher risk of complications with this method. (5) What is the best management of anterior knee pain? The patient should be evaluated for causes amenable to treatment (fracture, instability, clunk, osteonecrosis, bony impingement on the prosthetic trochlea). If patellar resurfacing was performed, loosening should be considered. Otherwise, secondary resurfacing is appropriate only after convincingly ruling out other causes of pain. A painstaking evaluation is mandatory before repeat surgery for anterior knee pain: surgery is not in order in the 10% to 15% of cases that have no identifiable explanation. (6) What can be done to treat patellar defects? Available options include re-implantation (with bone grafting, cement, a biconvex implant, or a metallic frame), bone grafting without re-implantation, patellar reconstruction, patellectomy (best avoided due to the resulting loss of strength), osteotomy, and extensor apparatus allograft reconstruction.V, expert opinion.

Proximal Humerus Fracture Sequelae

Our goal was to analyze the results of unconstrained shoulder replacement in a large series of sequelae of proximal humeral fractures in order to validate a previously described surgical classification. In a multicenter study, we retrospectively evaluated 203 patients with sequelae of proximal humeral fractures who were treated with a nonconstrained modular and adaptable prosthesis. The mean followup was 42 months (range, 24-96 months). We identified 137 impacted fractures with humeral head collapse or necrosis (Type 1 sequelae), 25 unreducible dislocations or fracture-dislocations (Type 2), 22 nonunions of the surgical neck (Type 3), and 19 severe tuberosity malunions (Type 4). Results of nonconstrained shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 sequelae were predictably good because no greater tuberosity osteotomy was performed. The distorted anatomy was accepted, and both the prosthesis and technique were modified accordingly. Total shoulder arthroplasty yielded better results than hemiarthroplasty. Patients with Type 3 or Type 4 sequelae had poor functional results with nonconstrained arthroplasty because greater tuberosity osteotomy was needed. This study validates our fracture sequelae classification. We no longer use unconstrained prostheses in Type 3 and Type 4 fracture sequelae and propose peg bone grafting or low-profile fracture prosthesis for patients with Type 3 sequelae and reverse arthroplasty for those with Type 4 sequelae. Prognostic study, level IV (case series). See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Biomechanical and Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Lesser Tuberosity Repair Technique in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

A s with arthroplasty of other large joints, shoulder replacement reliably improves a patient's quality of life1-8. However, although shoulder replacement is frequently successful, complications do occur9-15. Injury to the subscapularis can lead to weakness, decreased motion and stability, and diminished satisfaction following shoulder arthroplasty. Compromise or dysfunction of the subscapularis resulting from routine division and repair during the arthroplasty is a complication that is being recognized more frequently16,17. Subscapularis dysfunction may lead to a loss of active terminal internal rotation with an abnormal belly-press or lift-off test or the inability to perform a shirt-tuck test18. In a recent study, >65% of patients had subscapularis dysfunction following shoulder arthroplasty with a soft-tissue subscapularis repair17. While dysfunction is sometimes subtle, resulting in minor functional disabilities, rupture of the subscapularis is a devastating problem that can lead to gross anterior instability. Anterior instability following arthroplasty is typically secondary to rupture of the repaired subscapularis13,19. Reported rates of subscapularis rupture following primary arthroplasty have ranged from 3% to 11%19-22. Instability is the most frequent complication following shoulder arthroplasty and is the most common indication for revision surgery9,11,19,23-25. While the etiology of instability is often multifactorial, the greatest cause is soft-tissue imbalance13,19,24,26,27. In order to strengthen our subscapularis repairs and to prevent rupture, we have been performing a lesser tuberosity osteotomy to reflect the subscapularis and expose the joint in shoulder arthroplasties. The lesser tuberosity osteotomy does not violate the subscapularis tendon, and its repair provides a strong, secure closure that allows bone-healing. The strength of the repair is due …

Subscapularis Muscle Function and Structure After Total Shoulder Replacement with Lesser Tuberosity Osteotomy and Repair

Recent studies have suggested that tenotomy and repair of the subscapularis tendon carried out for anterior approaches to the shoulder can be followed by failure of the tendon repair and by changes resulting in permanent loss of subscapularis function. We hypothesized that release of the subscapularis with use of a superficial osteotomy of the lesser tuberosity followed by repair of the two opposing bone surfaces would lead to consistent bone-to-bone healing, which would be possible to monitor radiographically, and would lead to satisfactory clinical and structural outcomes. Thirty-nine shoulders in thirty-six consecutive patients who, at an average age of fifty-seven years, had undergone total shoulder replacement through an anterior approach involving an osteotomy of the lesser tuberosity were evaluated at an average of thirty-nine months. Assessment included a standardized interview and physical examination, scoring according to the system described by Constant and Murley, and imaging with conventional radiography and computed tomography to assess healing of the osteotomy site and changes in the subscapularis. The osteotomized tuberosity fragment healed in an anatomical position in all shoulders, and no cuff tendon ruptures were observed. At the time of follow-up, thirty-three (89%) of thirty-seven shoulders evaluated with a belly-press test had a negative result and twenty-seven (75%) of thirty-six shoulders evaluated with a lift-off test had an unequivocally normal result. Fatty infiltration of the subscapularis muscle increased after the operation (p < 0.0001) and was at least stage two in eleven (32%) of thirty-four shoulders. The fatty infiltration had progressed by one stage in eight (24%) of the thirty-four shoulders, by two stages in five shoulders (15%), and by three stages in two shoulders (6%). Osteotomy of the lesser tuberosity provides an easy anterior approach for total shoulder replacement and is followed by consistent bone-to-bone healing, which can be monitored, and good subscapularis function. In the presence of documented anatomical healing of the osteotomy site, postoperative fatty infiltration of the subscapularis muscle remains unexplained and needs to be investigated further as it is associated with a poorer clinical outcome.

Managing the tight shoulder: Subscapularis lengthening—in opposition

Subscapularis contracture is a significant challenge facing the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon. Debate continues as to the best technique to restore external rotation in the setting of the osteoarthritic shoulder undergoing arthroplasty. The authors' rationale for subscapularis release as favored over lengthening is presented. A discussion of the technique for anatomic reattachment of the tendon with a lesser tuberosity osteotomy is included as well.

Shoulder arthroplasty for late sequelae of proximal humeral fractures

Twenty-eight patients with sequelae of proximal humeral fractures were treated with shoulder arthroplasty and were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 47 months. There were 8 malunions, 7 osteonecrosis, and 2 nonunions of the proximal humerus. Degenerative joint disease without any distortion of the tuberosities had developed in 11. We performed 8 total shoulder arthroplasties and 20 hemiarthroplasties. On the basis of the Neer criteria, the results were satisfactory in only 64%. Fifteen patients had superior migration of the implant. One patient had to be reoperated on because of deep infection. The prognosis was influenced positively by the integrity of the rotator cuff at surgery, whereas the need for greater tuberosity osteotomy worsened the final result. The data suggest that malunion of the greater tuberosity can be tolerated if it does not compromise acceptable positioning of the humeral component. However, if there is a malunion of the greater tuberosity with major displacement, an osteotomy must be performed, with unpredictable results.

Distal tuberosity osteotomy in open wedge high tibial osteotomy can prevent patella infera: a new technique

To prevent patella infera in open wedge high tibial osteotomy, a new operation technique was developed. Instead of a proximal tibial tuberosity osteotomy, a distal osteotomy was performed and the tuberosity was fixed with one screw to the tibia. Initial experience in 17 patients was evaluated and compared with results of 20 patients with open wedge high tibial osteotomy with proximal tuberosity osteotomy. Distal tuberosity osteotomy in open wedge high tibial osteotomy appears effective in preventing patella infera.