Analysis of two different techniques of osteosynthesis in high tibial osteotomy

Aim: High tibial osteotomy is an accepted method for varus osteoarthritis. This study intended to compare the technique of plate osteosynthesis with the technique of staple osteosynthesis, as a less invasive procedure. Method: 61 patients (65 knees) were included in this retrospective study evaluating the HSS score, patient's satisfaction, non weight bearing period, radiological stage of osteoarthritis, bone healing and complications after a follow up period of 5.7 (5 - 9) years. 26 patients (27 knees) were treated with plates and 37 patients (38 knees) with staples after osteotomy. Results: Patients treated with plates showed 62.2% excellent and good, 27.8% moderate and poor results in the HSS score, 77.8% were very satisfied and satisfied, 22.2% less or not satisfied. Patients who received stapel osteosynthesis showed 80.8% excellent and good, 19.2% moderate and poor results in the HSS score and were very satisfied and satisfied in 86.9%, less and nor satisfied in 13.1%. The periods of non weight bearing and bone healing were slightly longer for patients treated with staples. There was no significant difference in complications. Conclusion: The data of the present study suggest that staples as a less invasive osteosynthesis after high tibial osteotomy seem to be justified compared to plate osteosynthesis having no significant difference in clinical results.