Factors Associated With Patient Satisfaction After Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is expected to result in higher patient satisfaction compared with knee arthroplasty due to joint preservation. However, patient satisfaction rates as well as factors associated with satisfaction after OWHTO remain unclear.

To evaluate patient subjective satisfaction after OWHTO and determine factors associated with patient satisfaction after OWHTO.

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

This study enrolled 123 patients (123 knees) who underwent unilateral OWHTO. Clinical parameters, including range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), weightbearing line ratio (WBLR), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), were assessed before surgery and at the final follow-up at a minimum of 2 years. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 5-point scale regarding (1) surgery, (2) pain relief, (3) knee mobility, (4) daily living function, and (5) lower extremity alignment. The mean overall satisfaction scores for the 5 questions were calculated, and the sample was divided into 2 main groups (satisfied or unsatisfied). Preoperative characteristics, physical activity level, patient expectations for surgery, ROM, and KOOS were compared between the groups. Cartilage regeneration was assessed at the time of plate removal, and WBLR and MPTA were also assessed. Factors associated with patient satisfaction were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

The mean ± SD follow-up was 54.6 ± 20.6 months. The mean WBLR significantly changed from 20.7% ± 11.8% preoperatively to 66.9% ± 10.2% at the final follow-up, and all KOOS subscale scores significantly improved after surgery. Of the 123 patients, 109 (88.6%) were graded as satisfied. Factors associated with patient satisfaction were expectations met (odds ratio, 17.4; P = .026), better postoperative KOOS Pain score (odds ratio, 1.30; P = .001), and better postoperative KOOS Activities of Daily Living score (odds ratio, 1.36; P = .002).

OWHTO is an effective treatment in terms of subjective satisfactory outcomes. Patient expectations for surgery have a significant effect on patient satisfaction. Surgeons should consider patient expectations before OWHTO and provide patient education to improve patient satisfaction.