High tibial osteotomy

The results of high tibial osteotomy performed in a 12-year period in 75 patients (88 knees) were followed for at least five years or until failure occurred. Of the 86 knees available for subjective follow-up evaluation, 64 were in men and 22 were in women. Roentgenographic data were available for 75 knees. The results were rated good (no or minimal pain, occasional analgesics required, slight limitation of activity), fair (regular analgesics required, noticeable decrease in activity), poor (moderate to severe pain, marked decrease in activity), or failed (arthroplasty required). On the basis of these definitions, 51% of the results were good, 9% were fair, 4% were poor, and 36% were failed. Results were satisfactory in 94% at two years, 87% at five years, and 69% at ten years. The absolute amount of angular correction did not correlate with the results. The change in axial alignment with time was unpredictable. Gender and age of patient were not factors in the outcome, although women seemed to require a longer period to become support-free. Better long-term results were obtained if the correction was to 10 degrees or more of anatomic valgus.