We evaluated the outcome in a series of patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who had either medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity and lateral release or an isolated lateral release as the primary treatment. The decision to use one or other procedure was based on a pre-operative distance between the tibial tuberosity to the trochlear groove (TTTG) of less than 10 mm to include the tibial tuberosity transfer in addition to the lateral release. Between April 2002 and December 2006, 49 patients (63 knees) underwent one of these procedures. A total of 35 patients (46 knees) was evaluated at a mean of 38 months (13 to 71) post-operatively. Medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity was performed in 33 knees and isolated lateral release in the remaining 13. Evaluation included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Kujala and the Short-form 36 scores. From the tibial tuberosity group 23 knees also underwent radiological examination at follow-up. There were further episodes of patellar dislocation in six of the 46 knees available for review. Further dislocation was noted in five of 33 knees (15.2%) in the tibial tuberosity transfer group and in one of 13 knees (7.7%) in the lateral release group. The mean subjective IKDC score was 80.4 (. sd. 11.6), the mean Kujala score 88 (. sd. 8.2) and the mean objective IKDC score was 79% normal and 21% nearly normal. The mean post-operative TTTG distance in the tibial tuberosity transfer group was 8.9 mm (3.2 to 15.7) compared with the mean pre-operative value of 16.8 mm (12.2 to 24.4)

The effects of advancement of the tibial tuberosity by inserting bony wedges was studied on cadaveric specimens of the knee. The geometry, the contact areas and the forces acting on the patellofemoral joint were investigated, and the forces acting on the tibiofemoral compartment were calculated. A 1 cm advancement was found to be optimal in reducing the high patellofemoral joint forces occurring at 90 degrees and 110 degrees of flexion, whilst causing least reduction of the contact areas; the stresses on the joint were reduced significantly. Advancement by 2 cm and by 3 cm drastically reduced the congruity and the size of the contact area. It was also shown that 2 cm and 3 cm advancement caused an increase in forces at the patellofemoral joint and also in the tibiofemoral joint in a direction tangential to the articular surfaces

Recognized anatomic variations that lead to patella instability include patella alta and trochlea dysplasia. Lateralization of the extensor mechanism relative to the trochlea is often considered to be a contributing factor; however, controversy remains as to the degree this contributes to instability and how this should be measured. As the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) is one of most common imaging measurements to assess lateralization of the extensor mechanism, it is important to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Care needs to be taken while interpreting the TT-TG value as it is affected by many factors. Medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy is sometimes used to correct the TT-TG, but may not truly address the underlying anatomical problem. This review set out to determine whether the TT-TG distance sufficiently summarizes the pathoanatomy, and if this assists with planning of surgery in patellar instability.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):268–274.

An abnormal lateral position of the tibial tuberosity causes distal malalignment of the extensor mechanism of the knee and can lead to lateral tracking of the patella causing anterior knee pain or objective patellar instability, characterised by recurrent dislocation. Computer tomography is used for a precise pre-operative assessment of the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. A distance of more than 15 mm is considered to be pathological and an indication for surgery in symptomatic patients. In a prospective study we performed a subtle transfer of the tibial tuberosity according to the information gained from the pre-operative CT scan. This method was applied to two groups of patients, those with painful lateral tracking of the patella, and those with objective patellar instability. We evaluated the clinical results in 30 patients in each group. The outcome was documented at 3, 12 and 24 months using the Lysholm scale, the Kujala score, and a visual analogue pain score. Post-operatively, all but one patient in the instability group who had a patellar dislocation requiring further surgery reported good improvement with no further subluxation or dislocation. All patients in both groups had a marked improvement in pain and functional score. Two patients sustained a tibial fracture six and seven weeks after surgery. One patient suffered a per-operative fracture of the tibial tubercle which later required further fixation. If carefully performed, this type of transfer of the tibial tubercle appears to be a satisfactory technique for the treatment of patients with an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance and who present with symptoms related to lateral maltracking of the patella

We carried out three total knee replacements with proximal realignment in two patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee and congenital dislocation of the patella. During the operation, the femur and the tibia were cut according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the implant. The femoral component was placed in external rotation and the centre of the tibial component aligned in relation to the tibial tuberosity with regard to rotation and translation. After making the bone cuts, the iliotibial tract was detached from Gerdy’s tubercle, the popliteus tendon divided, and the biceps femoris tendon elongated by Z-plasty. After the trial implants were positioned, a proximal re-alignment procedure was performed. One knee had deep infection. There was one dislocated patella which was repositioned, and walking ability was improved in all knees. We believe that the rotational alignment of a prosthesis is as important as the soft-tissue surgery

The Q angle is an important determinant of patellar tracking, though its clinical relevance is debatable. One controversy centres around any possible differences in its value between men and women. The accepted, though unproven explanation, for the greater Q angle in women is that a woman has a wider pelvis. However, because of the long distance between the pelvis and patella, relative to the distance from the patella to the tibial tuberosity, large changes in the position of the anterior superior iliac spine are necessary to effect significant changes in the Q angle. In our study of 69 subjects, we did not find such large differences in the position of the anterior superior iliac spine, and found a mean difference of only 2.3° between the Q angles of men and women. Furthermore, we found that men and women of equal height demonstrated similar Q angles, with taller people having slightly smaller Q angles. The slight difference in Q angles between men and women can be explained by the fact that men tend to be taller

There have been several studies examining the association between the morphological characteristics seen in acetabular dysplasia and the incidence of the osteoarthritis (OA). However, most studies focus mainly on acetabular morphological analysis, and few studies have scrutinised the effect of femoral morphology. In this study we enrolled 36 patients with bilateral acetabular dysplasia and early or mid-stage OA in one hip and no OA in the contralateral hip. CT scans were performed from the iliac crest to 2 cm inferior to the tibial tuberosity, and the morphological characteristics of both acetabulum and femur were studied. . In addition, 200 hips in 100 healthy volunteer Chinese adults formed a control group. The results showed that the dysplastic group with OA had a significantly larger femoral neck anteversion and a significantly shorter abductor lever arm than both the dysplastic group without OA and the controls. Femoral neck anteversion had a significant negative correlation with the length of the abductor lever arm and we conclude that it may contribute to the development of OA in dysplastic hips. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1586–93

Aims

As has been shown in larger animal models, knee immobilization can lead to arthrofibrotic phenotypes. Our study included 168 C57BL/6J female mice, with 24 serving as controls, and 144 undergoing a knee procedure to induce a contracture without osteoarthritis (OA).

Aims

A number of anti-retroviral therapies (ART) have been implicated in potentially contributing to HIV-associated bone disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combination ART on the fracture healing process.

Aims

The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) is an MRI-specific assessment tool to grade trochlear dysplasia. The aim of this study is to validate clinically the OBC by demonstrating its use in selecting treatments that are safe and effective.

Aims

In cases of severe periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee, salvage procedures such as knee arthrodesis (KA) or above-knee amputation (AKA) must be considered. As both treatments result in limitations in quality of life (QoL), we aimed to compare outcomes and factors influencing complication rates, mortality, and mobility.

Aims

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may provoke ankle symptoms. The aim of this study was to validate the impact of the preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), the talar tilt (TT) on ankle symptoms after TKA, and assess changes in the range of motion (ROM) of the subtalar joint, foot posture, and ankle laxity.

The Blackburne and Peel method of assessing the position of the patella was applied to 185 knees with Osgood--Schlatter disease in 125 patients. The normal index of 0.80 was confirmed in 73 control knees. The average index in the knees with Osgood--Schlatter disease measured 1.01 (patella alta) boys and 0.91 in girls. The value increased to 1.06 in boys with radiological evidence of loose ossicles in the tibial tuberosity or the patellar tendon. This finding indicates that the strong pull of the well-developed quadriceps muscle is probably the most important aetiological factor in patella alta associated with Osgood--Schlatter disease

We report overuse injuries in 14 elbows of ten elite young gymnasts. In 12 elbows of eight patients aged 11 to 15 years there was a spectrum of radiological abnormalities including widening of the olecranon physis and fragmentation of the epiphysis. The radiographs were compared with those of normal elbows matched for age and sex. The radiograph appearances were very similar to those of the Osgood-Schlatter lesion of the tibial tuberosity. Two older boys, aged 18 and 19, had stress fractures through the olecranon growth plate. Conservative management was successful in all except one case of stress fracture which required internal fixation

A controlled study, comparing computer- and conventional jig-assisted total knee replacement in six cadavers is presented. In order to provide a quantitative assessment of the alignment of the replacements, a CT-based technique which measures seven parameters of alignment has been devised and used. In this a multi-slice CT machine scanned in 2.5 mm slices from the acetabular roof to the dome of the talus with the subject’s legs held in a standard position. The mechanical and anatomical axes were identified, from three-dimensional landmarks, in both anteroposterior and lateral planes. The coronal and sagittal alignment of the prosthesis was then measured against the axes. The rotation of the femoral component was measured relative to the transepicondylar axis. The rotation of the tibial component was measured with reference to the posterior tibial condyles and the tibial tuberosity. Coupled femorotibial rotational alignment was assessed by superimposition of the femoral and tibial axial images. The radiation dose was 2.7 mSV. The computer-assisted total knee replacements showed better alignment in rotation and flexion of the femoral component, the posterior slope of the tibial component and in the matching of the femoral and tibial components in rotation. Differences were statistically significant and of a magnitude that support extension of computer assistance to the clinical situation

Evaluating musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb and understanding the pathophysiology of complex bone kinematics is challenging. Static images do not take into account the dynamic component of relative bone motion and muscle activation. Fluoroscopy and dynamic MRI have important limitations. Dynamic CT (4D-CT) is an emerging alternative that combines high spatial and temporal resolution, with an increased availability in clinical practice. 4D-CT allows simultaneous visualization of bone morphology and joint kinematics. This unique combination makes it an ideal tool to evaluate functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. In the lower limb, 4D-CT has been used to diagnose femoroacetabular impingement, patellofemoral, ankle and subtalar joint instability, or reduced range of motion. 4D-CT has also been used to demonstrate the effect of surgery, mainly on patellar instability. 4D-CT will need further research and validation before it can be widely used in clinical practice. We believe, however, it is here to stay, and will become a reference in the diagnosis of lower limb conditions and the evaluation of treatment options.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):822–827.

Aims

This study investigates the effects of intra-articular injection of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on lameness, pain, and quality of life in osteoarthritic canine patients.

Aims

The objective of this study was to compare the two-year migration pattern and clinical outcomes of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an asymmetrical tibial design (Persona PS) and a well-proven TKA with a symmetrical tibial design (NexGen LPS).

Aims

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft tissue laxity, maximum knee extension, and limb alignment during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Aims

The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) was recently described as an MRI-based classification tool for the femoral trochlear. The authors demonstrated better inter- and intraobserver agreement compared to the Dejour classification. As the OBC could potentially provide a very useful MRI-based grading system for trochlear dysplasia, it was the aim to determine the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the classification system from the perspective of the non-founder.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between femoral torsion and morphology of the distal femoral condyle in patients with trochlear dysplasia and lateral patellar instability.

Aims

The extensive variation in axial rotation of tibial components can lead to coronal plane malalignment. We analyzed the change in coronal alignment induced by tray malrotation.

Aims

To assess the effect of age on clinical outcome and revision rates in patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA).

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft-tissue laxity, fixed flexion deformity (FFD), and limb alignment during posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of osteophyte excision on deformity correction and soft tissue gap balance in varus knees undergoing computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of anterior knee pain after antegrade tibial nailing using suprapatellar and infrapatellar surgical approaches

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the congruency of the articular surface contact area of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) during both active and passive movement of the knee with the use of an MRI mapping technique in both the stable and unstable PFJ.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to determine the morbidity of a tibial strut autograft and characterize the rate of bony union following its use.

Aims

Patellofemoral problems are a common complication of total knee arthroplasty. A high compressive force across the patellofemoral joint may affect patient-reported outcome. However, the relationship between patient-reported outcome and the intraoperative patellofemoral contact force has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not a high intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force affects patient-reported outcome.

The traditional techniques involving an oblique tunnel or triangular wedge resection to approach a central or mixed-type physeal bar are hindered by poor visualisation of the bar. This may be overcome by a complete transverse osteotomy at the metaphysis near the growth plate or a direct vertical approach to the bar. Ilizarov external fixation using small wires allows firm fixation of the short physis-bearing fragment, and can also correct an associated angular deformity and permit limb lengthening.

We accurately approached and successfully excised ten central- or mixed-type bars; six in the distal femur, two in the proximal tibia and two in the distal tibia, without damaging the uninvolved physis, and corrected the associated angular deformity and leg-length discrepancy. Callus formation was slightly delayed because of periosteal elevation and stretching during resection of the bar. The resultant resection of the bar was satisfactory in seven patients and fair in three as assessed using a by a modified Williamson–Staheli classification.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1726–31.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop an accurate, reliable and easily applicable method for determining the anatomical location of the joint line during revision knee arthroplasty.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of children and adolescents with tibial fractures treated using the Ilizarov method.

Aims

Analysis of the morphology of the distal femur, and by extension of the femoral components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), has largely been related to the aspect ratio, which represents the width of the femur. Little is known about variations in trapezoidicity (i.e. whether the femur is more rectangular or more trapezoidal). This study aimed to quantify additional morphological characteristics of the distal femur and identify anatomical features associated with higher risks of over- or under-sizing of components in TKA.

Aims

The morphometry of the distal femur was largely studied to improve bone-implant fit in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but little is known about the asymmetry of the posterior condyles. This study aimed to investigate the dimensions of the posterior condyles and the influence of externally rotating the femoral component on potential prosthetic overhang or under-coverage.

This study used CT analysis to determine the rotational alignment of 39 painful and 26 painless fixed-bearing total knee replacements (TKRs) from a cohort of 740 NexGen Legacy posterior-stabilised and cruciate-retaining prostheses implanted between May 1996 and August 2003.

The mean rotation of the tibial component was 4.3° of internal rotation (25.4° internal to 13.9° external rotation) in the painful group and 2.2° of external rotation (8.5° internal to 18.2° external rotation) in the painfree group (p = 0.024). In the painful group 17 tibial components were internally rotated more than 9° compared with none in the painfree group (p < 0.001). Additionally, six femoral components in the painful group were internally rotated more than 6° compared with none in the painfree group (p = 0.017). External rotational errors were not found to be associated with pain.

Overall, 22 (56.4%) of the painful TKRs had internal rotational errors involving the femoral, the tibial or both components. It is estimated that at least 4.6% of all our TKRs have been implanted with significant internal rotational errors.

The management of osteoarthritis of the knee associated with patellar instability secondary to external tibial torsion > 45° is challenging. Patellofemoral biomechanics in these patients cannot be achieved by intra-articular correction using standard techniques of total knee replacement.

We reviewed seven patients (eight knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation and one with bilateral irreducible lateral dislocation who had undergone simultaneous total knee replacement and internal tibial derotational osteotomy. All had osteoarthritis and severe external tibial torsion. The mean follow-up was for 47.2 months (24 to 120).

The mean objective and functional Knee Society scores improved significantly (p = 0.0001) from 29.7 and 41.5 pre-operatively to 71.4 and 73.5 post-operatively, respectively. In all patients the osteotomies healed and patellar stability was restored.

Excessive external tibial torsion should be identified and corrected in patients with osteoarthritis and patellar instability. Simultaneous internal rotation osteotomy of the tibia and total knee replacement is a technically demanding but effective treatment for such patients.

The aim of this study was to analyse the gait pattern, muscle force and functional outcome of patients who had undergone replacement of the proximal tibia for tumour and alloplastic reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using the patellar-loop technique.

Between February 1998 and December 2009, we carried out wide local excision of a primary sarcoma of the proximal tibia, proximal tibial replacement and reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using the patellar-loop technique in 18 patients. Of these, nine were available for evaluation after a mean of 11.6 years (0.5 to 21.6). The strength of the knee extensors was measured using an Isobex machine and gait analysis was undertaken in our gait assessment laboratory. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Knee Society (AKS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores.

The gait pattern of the patients differed in ground contact time, flexion heel strike, maximal flexion loading response and total sagittal plane excursion. The mean maximum active flexion was 91° (30° to 110°). The overall mean extensor lag was 1° (0° to 5°). The mean extensor muscle strength was 25.8% (8.3% to 90.3%) of that in the non-operated leg (p < 0.001). The mean functional scores were 68.7% (43.4% to 83.3%) (MSTS) and 71.1 (30 to 90) (AKS functional score).

In summary, the results show that reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using this technique gives good biomechanical and functional results. The patients’ gait pattern is close to normal, except for a somewhat stiff knee gait pattern. The strength of the extensor mechanism is reduced, but sufficient for walking.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1063–9.

Aims

The aim of this double-blind prospective randomised controlled trial was to assess whether low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerated or enhanced the rate of bone healing in adult patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis.

Objectives

Preservation of posterior condylar offset (PCO) has been shown to correlate with improved functional results after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Whether this is also the case for revision TKA, remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the independent effect of PCO on early functional outcome after revision TKA.

Fractures around total knee arthroplasties pose a significant surgical challenge. Most can be managed with osteosynthesis and salvage of the replacement. The techniques of fixation of these fractures and revision surgery have evolved and so has the assessment of outcome. This specialty update summarises the current evidence for the classification, methods of fixation, revision surgery and outcomes of the management of periprosthetic fractures associated with total knee arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1489–96.

The Unified Classification System (UCS) was introduced because of a growing need to have a standardised universal classification system of periprosthetic fractures. It combines and simplifies many existing classification systems, and can be applied to any fracture around any partial or total joint replacement occurring during or after operation. Our goal was to assess the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the UCS in association with knee replacement when classifying fractures affecting one or more of the femur, tibia or patella.

We used an international panel of ten orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty fellowship training and expertise in adult hip and knee reconstruction (‘experts’) and ten residents of orthopaedic surgery in the last two years of training (‘pre-experts’). They each received 15 radiographs for evaluation. After six weeks they evaluated the same radiographs again but in a different order.

The reliability was assessed using the Kappa and weighted Kappa values.

The Kappa values for inter-observer reliability for the experts and the pre-experts were 0.741 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.707 to 0.774) and 0.765 (95% CI 0.733 to 0.797), respectively. The weighted Kappa values for intra-observer reliability for the experts and pre-experts were 0.898 (95% CI 0.846 to 0.950) and 0.878 (95% CI 0.815 to 0.942) respectively.

The UCS has substantial inter-observer reliability and ‘near perfect’ intra-observer reliability when used for periprosthetic fractures in association with knee replacement in the hands of experienced and inexperienced users.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1669–73.

Radiological evidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after fracture of the tibial plateau is common but end-stage arthritis which requires total knee arthroplasty is much rarer.

The aim of this study was to examine the indications for, and outcomes of, total knee arthroplasty after fracture of the tibial plateau and to compare this with an age and gender-matched cohort of TKAs carried out for primary osteoarthritis.

Between 1997 and 2011, 31 consecutive patients (23 women, eight men) with a mean age of 65 years (40 to 89) underwent TKA at a mean of 24 months (2 to 124) after a fracture of the tibial plateau. Of these, 24 had undergone ORIF and seven had been treated non-operatively. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 6, 12 and > 60 months using the Short Form-12, Oxford Knee Score and a patient satisfaction score.

Patients with instability or nonunion needed total knee arthroplasty earlier (14 and 13.3 months post-injury) than those with intra-articular malunion (50 months, p < 0.001). Primary cruciate-retaining implants were used in 27 (87%) patients. Complication rates were higher in the PTOA cohort and included wound complications (13% vs 1% p = 0.014) and persistent stiffness (10% vs 0%, p = 0.014). Two (6%) PTOA patients required revision total knee arthroplasty at 57 and 114 months. The mean Oxford knee score was worse pre-operatively in the cohort with primary osteoarthritis (18 vs 30, p < 0.001) but there were no significant differences in post-operative Oxford knee score or patient satisfaction (primary osteoarthritis 86%, PTOA 78%, p = 0.437).

Total knee arthroplasty undertaken after fracture of the tibial plateau has a higher rate of complications than that undertaken for primary osteoarthritis, but patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction are comparable.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:532–8.

Patellar instability most frequently presents during adolescence. Congenital and infantile dislocation of the patella is a distinct entity from adolescent instability and measurable abnormalities may be present at birth. In the normal patellofemoral joint an increase in quadriceps angle and patellar height are matched by an increase in trochlear depth as the joint matures. Adolescent instability may herald a lifelong condition leading to chronic disability and arthritis.

Restoring normal anatomy by trochleoplasty, tibial tubercle transfer or medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the young adult prevents further instability. Although these techniques are proven in the young adult, they may cause growth arrest and deformity where the physis is open. A vigorous non-operative strategy may permit delay of surgery until growth is complete. Where non-operative treatment has failed a modified MPFL reconstruction may be performed to maintain stability until physeal closure permits anatomical reconstruction. If significant growth remains an extraosseous reconstruction of the MPFL may impart the lowest risk to the physis. If minor growth remains image intensifier guided placement of femoral intraosseous fixation may impart a small, but acceptable, risk to the physis.

This paper presents and discusses the literature relating to adolescent instability and provides a framework for management of these patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:159–70.

Between 2003 and 2007, 99 knees in 77 patients underwent opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. We evaluated the effect of initial stable fixation combined with an artificial bone substitute on the mid- to long-term outcome after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartmental osteoarthritis or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee in 78 knees in 64 patients available for review at a minimum of five years (mean age 68 years; 49 to 82). The mean follow-up was 6.5 years (5 to 10). The mean Knee Society knee score and function score improved from 49.6 (sd 11.4, 26 to 72) and 56.6 (sd 15.6, 5 to 100) before surgery to 88.1 (sd 12.5, 14 to 100) and 89.4 (sd 15.6, 5 to 100) at final follow-up (p <  0.001) respectively. There were no significant differences between patients aged ≥ 70 and < 70 years. The mean standing femorotibial angle was corrected significantly from 181.7° (sd 2.7°, 175° to 185°) pre-operatively to 169.7° (sd 2.4°, 164° to 175°) at one year’s follow-up (p < 0.001) and 169.6° (sd 3.0°, 157° to 179°) at the final follow-up (p = 0.69 vs one year).

Opening-wedge HTO using a stable plate fixation system combined with a bone substitute is a reliable procedure that provides excellent results. Although this treatment might seem challenging for older patients, our results strongly suggest that the results are equally good.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:339–44.

We compared the incidence and severity of complications during and after closing- and opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy used for the treatment of varus arthritis of the knee, and identified the risk factors associated with the development of complications. In total, 104 patients underwent laterally based closing-wedge and 90 medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy between January 1993 and December 2006. The characteristics of each group were similar. All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months. We assessed the outcome using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee score, and recorded the complications. Age, gender, obesity (body mass index > 27.5 kg/m²), the type of osteotomy (closing versus opening) and the pre-operative mechanical axis were subjected to risk-factor analysis.

The mean Hospital for Special Surgery score in the closing and opening groups improved from 73.4 (54 to 86) to 91.8 (81 to 100) and from 73.8 (56 to 88) to 93 (84 to 100), respectively. The incidence of complications overall and of major complications in both groups was not significantly different (p = 0.20 overall complication, p = 0.29 major complication). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for obesity and the pre-operative mechanical axis showed that obesity remained a significant independent risk factor (odds ratio = 3.23) of a major complication after high tibial osteotomy.

Our results suggest that the opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy can be an alternative treatment option for young patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity.

New developments in osteotomy techniques and methods of fixation have caused a revival of interest of osteotomies around the knee. The current consensus on the indications, patient selection and the factors influencing the outcome after high tibial osteotomy is presented. This paper highlights recent research aimed at joint pressure redistribution, fixation stability and bone healing that has led to improved surgical techniques and a decrease of post-operative time to full weight-bearing.

We retrospectively reviewed the operative treatment carried out between 1988 and 1994 of eight patients with habitual patellar dislocation. In four the condition was bilateral. All patients had recurrent dislocation with severe functional disability. The surgical technique involved distal advancement of the patella by complete mobilisation of the patellar tendon, lateral release and advancement of vastus medialis obliquus. The long-term results were assessed radiologically, clinically and functionally using the Lysholm knee score, by an independent observer.

The mean age at operation was 10.3 years (7 to 14) with a mean follow-up of 13.5 years (11 to 16). One patient required revision. At the latest follow-up, all patellae were stable and knees functional with a mean Lysholm knee score of 98 points (95 to 100). In those aged younger than ten years at operation there was a statistically significant improvement in the sulcus angle at the latest follow-up (Student’s t-test, p = 0.001). Two patients developed asymptomatic patella infera as a late complication.

This technique offers a satisfactory treatment for the immature patient presenting with habitual patellar dislocation associated with patella alta. If performed early, we believe that remodelling of the shallow trochlea may occur, adding intrinsic patellofemoral stability.