Ilizarov technique combine minimally invasive high tibial osteotomy therapy for the treatment of varus knee osteoarthritis

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of ilizarov technique combined minimally invasive high tibial osteotomy therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with varus. Methods From February 2000 to December 2013, Ilizarov technique combined minimally invasive high tibial osteotomy was performed in 138 patients (148 knees) with clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis with varus. The femorotibial angles and the medial tibial joint clearance were measured on the standing X-ray of knee joint pre and post-operation in order to compare their changes. Simultaneously, American Hospital for Special Surgery score(HSS score) was conducted and compared. Results All the patients were followed up for (66.5±6.6)months. The femorotibial angle (FTA), medial tibial joint clearance, and HSS score in the post-operation were all significantly better than the score in the pre-procedure (P<0.05). Clinical result showed that all the patients had relief of knee pain and symptoms with the excellent rate of 91.2%. Conclusions Ilizarov technique combined minimally invasive high tibial osteotomy therapy is an effective procedure for treatment of knee osteoarthritis with varus. Key words: Bone lengthening/methods; Osteoarthritis, knee/complications; Knee/abnormalities; Osteoarthritis, knee/surgery; Amputation/methods; Tibia/surgery