Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Using Combined Computed Tomography-Based and Image-Free Navigation System

For opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), it is recommended that the osteotomy line is parallel to the medial tibial posterior slope (TPS) in the sagittal view and that the alignments are simultaneously controlled in the coronal and sagittal views. Here combined computed tomography (CT)-based and image-free navigation systems were used for intraoperative reference during OWHTO. Using the CT-based navigation, 2 entry points for insertion of Kirschner wires were preoperatively set up and an accurate osteotomy plane was intraoperatively duplicated. Preoperative planning anticipated a femorotibial angle of 170°, representing a weight-bearing ratio of 62.5%, on the whole-leg radiograph. The original TPS in the sagittal view was aimed to be preserved postoperatively. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) correction angle was preoperatively measured on the whole-leg radiograph, and the HKA angle and flexion angle were intraoperatively monitored in real time using the image-free navigation. We have introduced an operative technique for OWHTO using CT-based and image-free navigation systems. We expect that this method, with the osteotomy plane parallel to the tibial plateau plane in the sagittal view and simultaneous control of coronal and sagittal alignments, will enable actuation of accurate alignment in the 2 planes and lead to improvements in patient activity in future.