Return to Sport following Isolated Lateral Opening Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy

Purpose. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the timeline of return to sport (RTS) following isolated lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy (DFO), (2) evaluate the degree of participation on RTS, and (3) identify risk factors for failure to RTS. Methods. Nineteen consecutive patients undergoing isolated lateral opening wedge DFO were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patients completed a sports questionnaire, visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-Pain), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and a satisfaction questionnaire. Results. Seventeen patents (89.5%; age 32.1 ± 10.1 years; gender 9 males, 52.9%) were contacted at 7.3 ± 4.4 years (range 2.0-13.8 years). Twelve patients (70.6%) resumed playing ≥1 sport at an average time of 9.5 ± 3.3 months (range 3-12 months). Of these 12 patients, 6 returned to a lower level of participation (50.0%). Seven patients (41.2%) had returned to the operating room for further surgery, which included removal of hardware (5.9%) and total knee arthroplasty (5.9%). The average VAS-Pain, SANE, and Marx scores were 3.4 ± 2.6 (range 0-8), 56.2 ± 18.7 (range 20-85), and 5.0 ± 5.3 (range 0-16), respectively. Fourteen patients (82.4%) were at least somewhat satisfied with their procedure. Conclusion. In patients with isolated lateral compartment osteoarthritis and valgus deformity, lateral opening wedge DFO allows 70.6% of patients to RTS by 9.5 ± 3.3 months. However, most patients may be unable to return to their presymptomatic level of function. Patient expectations regarding RTS can be appropriately managed with adequate preoperative patient education. Level of Evidence. IV, case series.