This study examined the changes in knee alignment after an open wedge high tibial osteotomy before and after weight-bearing. From 2004 to 2006, 36 high tibial osteotomies were performed to treat unicompartmental arthritis with a varus deformity. Thirteen patients without instability and with an accurate radiographic evaluation were included. The changes in the deviation of the mechanical axis and femorotibial angle were evaluated retrospectively using whole extremity radiographs immediately after surgery (supine position) and 4 months after surgery (weight-bearing position). In the nonweight-bearing radiograph obtained immediately after surgery, the mean deviation of the mechanical axis was 22% laterally and the mean femorotibial angle was valgus 8.9 degrees . The weight-bearing radiograph at 4 months after surgery showed that the former shifted laterally 34% and the latter shifted valgus 10.6 degrees . The changes in the mechanical axis and femorotibial angle were significant (P < 0.001). During open wedge high tibial osteotomy, the surgeon should consider the increase in deviation of the mechanical axis and femorotibial angle after weight-bearing.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.