COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS BETWEEN MCL COMPLETE DETACHMENT AND MEDIAL EPICONDYLAR OSTEOTOMY FOR SEVERE VARUS DEFORMITY IN TKA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the results between MCL complete detachment and medial epicondylar osteotomy for severe varus deformity in TKA. We reviewed 8 cases of MCL complete detachment (group I) and 11 cases of medial epicondylar osteotomy (group II) for severe varus deformity (from February 2001 to December 2006). In MCL complete detachment, we performed the reattachment of MCL and putting on the brace. Clinical outcome measures included Knee Society score (KSS), Function scrore (FS), and range of motion (ROM). Radiological outcomes were medial instability as determined by valgus stress radiograph, alignment by whole extremity radiograph. Group I had 4 neutral and 4 varus alignment and group II had 9 neutral, 1 varus and 1 valgus alignment. There were no significant differences in clinical results between both two groups, for KSS (95.1 vs 91.1), FS (82.5 vs 88.2), and ROM (0.6–115° vs 0–118.8°). However, there were significant differences in medial instability compared normal side. Group I had the differences of 4.1 degree at postoperative 3 months and 2.1 degree at final follow-up. Group II had 0.9 degree at postoperative 3 months and 0.4 degree at final follow-up. Medial epicondylar osteotomy for severe varus deformity in TKA could be useful technique for medial stability of the knee regardless of the alignment.