Incomplete nondisplaced tibial osteotomy for treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain

Intraosseous venous hypertension is considered a significant factor in the production of knee pain secondary to degenerative arthrosis, thus vascular decompression by means of tibial osteotomy is a rational option for treatment of selected patients. A preliminary report is presented of six patients with symptoms of primary or secondary degenerative arthrosis who were treated by incomplete nondisplaced proximal tibial osteotomy with good or excellent results. These patients were refractory to nonoperative treatment and were not deemed suitable candidates for angulated osteotomy, arthroscopic surgery alone, or total knee arthroplasty. Patients ranged in age from 36 to 61 years (mean age: 47 years). Follow-up ranged from .8 to 6.7 years (mean: 3.1 years). The subjects were studied postoperatively by interview, physical examination, radiographs, and bone scans. Results were assessed using the knee rating system of The Hospital for Special Surgery.