The degree of correction in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy compromises bone healing: A consecutive review of 101 cases.

BACKGROUND

The bone healing in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) proceeds gradually by a filling of the osteotomy gap. This can comprise several risk factors.

METHODS

A retrospective study analysed the clinical and radiological course of 101 consecutive OWHTOs in 96 patients. The following risk factors were considered: age, body mass index, tobacco consumption, amount of tobacco consumption, severity of comorbidities, infection of the surgical area, occurrence of a lateral hinge fracture and the degree of correction. The bone healing was evaluated by using the modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibial fractures (RUST).

RESULTS

A disturbance in bone healing was observed in 16 of the 101 osteotomies. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a correlation between the angle of the opening wedge and the development of a disturbance in bone healing (P = 0.002). The odds ratio indicated an increase in the risk of a disturbance in bone healing of 56% with each additional degree of correction. For the risk factor 'age' a statistical trend was recognizable (P = 0.077) with the risk of a disturbance in bone healing in higher age.

CONCLUSION

Lateral hinge fractures seem not to have a detrimental effect on the filling of the osteotomy gap. An increase in the opening wedge bears the risk of a disturbance in bone healing.