Stabilization of high tibial osteotomy with staples

Patients presenting with painful arthritis of the medial knee compartment with an intact lateral compartment are treated by high tibial valgus osteotomy at our institution. Between 1989 and 1993, 75 high tibial valgus osteotomies were done. Of these, 52 were idiopathic, 22 post-traumatic, and 1 subsequent to an intra-articular infection of the knee. The condition of the lateral compartment was routinely checked arthroscopically. All osteotomies were stabilized with osteotomy staples. This provided immediate stability, allowing partial weight-bearing (15 kg). Because of the simplicity and the low complication rate, we recommend this technique as a suitable treatment for arthritis of the medial condyle of the knee.