Functional Outcome of High Tibial Osteotomy for Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis Knee

Dr. Abhishek, Dr. Naveen Kumar S, Dr. Suman N V, Dr. Sagar G

Abstract: Background: Osteoarthritis of knee is chronic debilitating disease-causing considerable disability which is increasing in incidence even in younger population. Global statistics reveal that osteoarthritis accounts for 3% of total global 'years lived with disability' and is associated with significant health and welfare costs. It influences day to day activities of person. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the medial compartment of knee giving rise to varus deformity in majority of cases. Significant varus deformity further aggravates the pathology due to medialisation of the weight bearing axis. HTO is a valuable treatment modality in correcting malalignment and thereby relieving the symptoms associated with medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis. Materials and Method: This was a prospective, observational cohort study conducted at the Orthopaedics Department of Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, between April 2023 and April 2024. A total of 20 patients aged 30? 65 years with symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Patients underwent preoperative clinical and radiological assessments, followed by HTO surgery. Functional outcomes were evaluated using IKDC, KOOS, and Knee Society Scores at multiple follow-ups. Data collection was performed using structured case record forms, and statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and association testing with a significance threshold of P < 0.05. Results: Of the 20 patients included in the study, 55% were male and 45% were female. The majority (55%) were between 51?60 years of age. Preoperatively, 75% of patients had Grade 2 osteoarthritis (OA), while 25% had Grade 3 OA. Based on the XV Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 65% of patients reported severe pain and 35% reported moderate pain before surgery. Postoperatively only 20% experienced with mild pain. All patients were evaluated using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee), KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), and KSS (Knee Society Score). IKDC Score: Preoperatively, 15 patients were classified as 'Poor' and 5 as 'Fair'. Postoperatively, outcomes improved to 'Excellent' in 7 patients, 'Good' in 9, and 'Fair' in 4. KOOS Score: Preoperatively, 12 patients had 'Poor' and 8 had 'Fair' scores. Postoperative assessment showed improvement to 'Excellent' in 14 patients and 'Good' in 6.KSS-Knee Score: Initially, 13 patients were 'Poor' and 7 were 'Fair'. Following surgery, 14 achieved 'Excellent', 5 'Good', and 1 'Fair'. KSS-Functional Score: Preoperatively, 16 patients were rated 'Poor' and 4 'Fair'. Postoperatively, 16 patients reached 'Excellent' and 4 achieved 'Good' scores. Postoperative deformity correction was successfully achieved in the majority of cases. No major complications or surgical failures were observed. Conclusion: As per the latest trends of knee preservation Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy is an effective surgical treatment for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee, providing significant improvements in knee alignment, pain relief, and functional outcomes. The procedure shows high patient satisfaction with low complication rates in appropriately selected patients. Early intervention in carefully selected patients can yield excellent functional results and delay the need for total knee arthroplasty.

Keywords: medial compartment osteoarthritis of knee, high tibial osteotomy, total knee arthroplasty

How to Cite?: Dr. Abhishek, Dr. Naveen Kumar S, Dr. Suman N V, Dr. Sagar G, "Functional Outcome of High Tibial Osteotomy for Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis Knee", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 640-647, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25812202343, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25812202343