EXTRALIGAMENTAL VALGUS OSTEOTOMY OF THE TIBIAL HEAD BY THE OPEN WEDGE METHOD

In patients with posttraumatic or idiopathic gonarthritis, varus deformity and stable medial collateral ligaments the valgus high tibia correction osteotomy in the open wedge method is performed extraligamentary. An autologous wedge from the iliac crest is used, a bridging plate osteosynthesis brings stability for early movement. 58 patients with 64 osteotomies operated between 1981 and 1986 underwent a follow-up examination. There was an infection rate on the tibial head of 15%. The reason for that was not in the procedure itself but in its application and performance. Respecting the site of osteotomy (≤6,5 cm below tibial joint line), the size of the wedge at its basis (≤10 mm), a strong indication in cases of repeated interventions and the correct technical performance of the procedure we see in the high tibia valgus osteotomy (open wedge method) a proper way of treatment in unilateral varus gonarthritis or varus deformities compared to other existing methods.