Editorial Commentary: Early Postoperative Knee Joint Space Width Change Is Attributable to Change in the Joint Line Convergence Angle After High Tibial Osteotomy and May Not Reflect Cartilage Regeneration.

Abstract

Realignment of the weightbearing axis by high tibial osteotomy (HTO) can alter the forces acting on the articular cartilage within the knee, reducing the load on the medial compartment. This unloading effect is thought to allow the repair of the articular cartilage of the affected compartment. It is important to evaluate the serial changes of joint space width (JSW) after HTO for assessing the state of the cartilage and the unloading effect by HTO. However, early postoperative knee JSW change is attributable to change in the joint line convergence angle after HTO and may not reflect cartilage regeneration. In addition, the soft tissue laxity of the knee and changes in joint line convergence angle after HTO should be considered for assessing these early postoperative JSW changes.