Bone autografting in medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy results in improved osseous gap healing on computed tomography, but no functional advantage: a prospective, randomised, controlled trial

Purpose Medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (owHTO) is a valuable surgical technique used to manage medial degeneration in varus knees. Iliac crest autograft is considered the gold standard gap-filler. It was hypothesised that iliac crest autograft promotes gap healing and improves functional outcome in owHTO. Methods Between 2005 and 2009, patients scheduled to undergo owHTO stabilised by a medial locking compression plate were randomised to undergo owHTO either with iliac crest autograft (group A) or without bone void filler (group B). Pre- and postoperative leg axes were recorded. At 3 and 12 months postoperatively, the healing of the osteotomy gap was measured as a percentage on CT images, and functional scores were recorded. Results There were 15 patients in group A, and 25 in group B. The groups were similar in age, sex ratio, knee varus deformity, body mass index, and smoking status. Group A and B had similar preoperative varus (6.9 degrees vs. 7.6 degrees) and postoperative valgus (2.2 degrees vs. 3.0 degrees). Compared with the control group, group A had a significantly greater degree of osseous gap healing after 3 months (40.1% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.045) and 12 months (91.5% vs. 59.1%, p <= 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis found that bone grafting was an independent promoting factor for gap healing, while increased preoperative varus was an independent retardant factor at 3 months (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively) and 12 months (p <= 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Younger age was a promoting factor for gap healing on CT at 3 months (p <= 0.001), but not at 12 months. No correlations were found between bone healing and functional outcome, body mass index, or smoking status. Conclusions Iliac crest autograft significantly increases healing of the osteotomy gap after owHTO. Increased preoperative varus and older patient age are independent factors that delay early healing of the osteotomy. However, no functional advantage was found at 3 or 12 months postoperatively. Therefore, routine use of iliac crest autograft cannot be recommended.