Faster union rate and better clinical outcomes using autologous bone graft after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Abstract

To compare the radiological bone union rate after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW-HTO) and stabilization using a TomoFix™ plate (Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland) in three patient groups. Retrospective analysis of 137 knees that underwent MOW-HTO between January 2014 and January 2017 was using a TomoFix™ plate. Osteotomy gaps were filled with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) (group A), left unfilled (group B), and subject to autologous bone graft and β-TCP (group C). Radiological bone union using simple radiography was determined by a modified version of the Brosset et al. osteotomy filling index. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm score. Statistical analyses using the Chi-square and ANOVA tests were performed between the groups. The mean time for radiological bone union was 8.3 ± 3.1 months in group A, 7.2 ± 3.2 in group B and 3.4 ± 1.5 in group C (p = 0.001). There was statistically significant faster bone union in Group C. If the opening distance was more than 10 mm, group A united in 8.6 ± 3.6 months, group B in 8.8 ± 3.4, and group C in 3.5 ± 1.7 (p = 0.001). IKDC and Lysholm knee scores improved significantly (p = 0.004 for IKDC and 0.001 for Lysholm knee scores) in group C when compared to groups A and B at sixth month follow-up. At final follow-up, there was no difference in IKDC and Lysholm knee scores. Less delayed union occurred in group C. MOW-HTO with autologous bone graft and β-TCP had the fastest radiological bone union and best clinical scores at 6 month follow-up. Retrospective comparative study, Level III.