Early Outcomes of High Tibial Osteotomy Using Dynamic Axial External Fixator in Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis of Knee.

Abstract

Structured abstract:Medial compartment osteoarthritis of knee in young adults has a variety of management options. Realignment surgeries by high tibial osteotomy unload the medial joint and are gaining popularity with increasing focus on knee preservation surgeries. Medial opening wedge osteotomy is one such time tested technique with the fixation being done using internal or external fixators. Here we present the early outcomes of infra-tubercle medial opening wedge osteotomy using a dynamic axial external fixator. Methodology: A single group cohort study was conducted to assess the functional outcomes of high tibial osteotomy with a uni-axial dynamic external fixator for medial compartmental osteoarthritis in younger patient. Results:Function was assessed using knee scores at 6 months and 12 months follow-up which was 85.5 and 83.1 respectively. On bivariate analysis of pre and post-operative Knee-scores, significant improvement was noted with average being 44.2 ± 4.01 which was statistically significant p value-<0.00001. Excellent results were obtained in 15 cases (75%) and good results in 5 cases (25%). Three patients developed pin track infections and were treated with antibiotics and pin tract care. Conclusion: High tibial osteotomy using dynamic external fixator is a simple and effective option for management of medial compartment osteoarthritis in young patients with good short-term functional outcomes and low risk of infection.