Introduction and purpose: To assess the long-term results of Coventry-type tibial osteotomies performed in our center.

Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study. We carried out a review of 324 histories of Coventry-type osteotomies selected from a total of 76 with a mean follow-up of 12.9 years (minimum 5, maximum 25). We reviewed the patients’ preoperative assessment, postoperative assessment and last assessment or consultation before a total knee replacement. We also looked at the clinical evaluation of the patients’ pain, degree of arthritis on x-ray (Ahlbäck) and degree of postoperative correction obtained.

Results: 76 cases. Mean age 57.9 years (range: 35–72). Radiological degree of arthritis: 36.8% slight; 57.9% moderate; 5.2% severe. We found that patients with slight arthritis at the end of follow-up (mean 12.5 years) had 71% of satisfactory results. Satisfactory results were seen in 50% of patients with moderate arthritis (mean follow-up 16 years). With reference to the degree of correction, patients with mild over-correction had better results (8–12° valgus), followed by those normally corrected (0–8° valgus). A total of 30 patients (41%) required TKR at the end of their evolution (mean period of 13 years to TKR).

Conclusions: In spite of the advances of prosthetic surgery, the Coventry osteotomy continues to be appropriate in mild to moderate single-compartment arthritis. In the long term slight over- correction provides better outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to present our experience in prosthetic reconstruction after resection arthroplasty, its outcome and possible complications.

Materials and methods: We carried out a retrospective study of 23 hips reconstructed after an average of 2.2 years. Inclusion criteria were: having had a resection arthroplasty, a reconstruction with joint prosthesis and a minimum follow-up of one year. For evaluation we used the Merle d’Aubigne score for pain, walking and range of motion.

Results: The operated limb was lengthened 2.9 cm (1.2–4.8). The average for pain was 4.6, for range of motion 4.3 and walking 5.2. The overall outcome, 14.1 points, was considered acceptable. 47% had good or very good outcomes. All the patients improved their ability to walk. Four patients presented dislocation of the prosthesis after reconstruction and only one patient had a reinfection.

Conclusions: Prosthetic reconstruction after resection arthroplasty is technically difficult. This is due mainly to wear in the soft tissues and changes in the amount and quality of bone stock as a result of prior surgery. The biggest gain is seen in the ability to walk while there is less improvement in pain and range of motion. Candidates for reconstruction must be carefully selected to prevent complications and/or false expectations of always achieving excellent results.