A Short Term Follow Up Comparison of Genu Varum Corrective Surgery Using Open and Closed Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

INTRODUCTION Knee deformity associated with osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common complications seen in patients referred to orthopaedic surgeons. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an accepted method for treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis with varus deformity. The aim of this study was to compare results of osteotomy methods in patients with genu varum (GV) deformity. METHODS In this cohort study, the sample consisted of 32 patients with genu varum deformity (42 knees) who were divided into two groups and matched according to age and gender. The patients were treated with open or closed wedge osteotomy. After surgery, they were followed-up and compared for 6 months. RESULTS The sample consisted of 25 women (87.2%) and 7 men (21.8%). Ten patients (31.2%) presented with bilateral deformity. The incidence of complications was the same for both procedures (12.5%); this included one peroneal nerve injury following closed wedge surgery. Overall, patient satisfaction was 87.5% and 75% for the open and closed wedge methods respectively. Operative time, days to full weight bearing, and days to return to routine activities were significantly shorter for patients treated with the open wedge method (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Open wedged HTO is associated with shorter operating time, shorter recovery time, higher patient satisfaction, and probable lower risk of neurological injury. KEY WORDS High Tibial Osteotomy, Open Wedge Osteotomy, Closed Wedge Osteotomy.