Lateral Closing Wedge Osteotomy of Tibia for Degenerative Arthritis

Proximal tibial osteotomy is an effective, well-established treatment for unicompartmental arthritic knee with varus or valgus deformity. Four basic types are commonly described: lateral closing wedge osteotomy, medial open wedge osteotomy, dome osteotomy, and medial opening hemicallotasis. The objective of this procedure is to realign the weight-bearing axis through the knee by redistributing the forces of weight to the less involved compartment of the knee. With thorough preoperative planning and careful selection of patients, optimal outcome can be expected with preservation of the patient’s joint. In this article, we reviewed selection of patients, surgical planning, surgical technique, complications, pre- and post-operative change in mechanics, and long term surgical outcome of closing wedge osteotomy. Optimal outcome is expected in patients with young age (younger than 60), stable knee, medially confined osteoarthritis, and good range of motion. According to the literature, average 10-year survival rate is expected to be 60% to 90%. Closing wedge osteotomy allows for rapid bone healing, early weight bearing, rehabilitation, and low rates of correction loss. Surgeons should keep in mind that optimal indication, preoperative planning, and use of safe operative technique are essential to achievement of best results.