Re-correction osteotomy with osteophyte graft for correction loss with non-union after high tibial osteotomy

A 68-year-old man with right knee varus osteoarthritis was treated by lateral closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy. A correction loss with non-union occurred 6 months after surgery and a re-correction osteotomy was performed. Removing the proximal screws of the lateral plate, a medial opening-wedge re-osteotomy was performed. Arthroscopically harvested osteophytes were used to fill the gap after opening. An additional medial locking plate was installed on the medial side. Finally, the proximal lateral screws were reinserted and locked again. Mature trabecular continuity was obtained in the gap by 6 months, and there was no varus deformity 4 years after re-correction. Re-correction osteotomy could be a viable treatment when lateral compartment osteoarthritis has not progressed and good range of motion still exists. Osteophyte grafting may be an effective option not only to avoid iliac bone grafting but also to promote bone healing in re-osteotomy.