2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (36): 5849-5856

Implant-related errors and complications in medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy

Pan Jianke1, Zhao Di1, 2, Jin Xiao3, Yang Weiyi1, Luo Minghui1, Liu Jun1, 2, 4, 5, Han Yanhong1, Cao Houran1   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy is one of important methods in the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and also an important part of knee preservation therapy. Intraoperative errors and postoperative complications are important factors affecting the success of the operation.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the common errors and complications of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and analyze the causes.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in patients who underwent primary medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy for anterior medial osteoarthritis of the knee in Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from April 2017 to August 2021 through the hospital medical records information management system. The typical cases of intraoperative errors and postoperative complications were summarized and analyzed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Common errors and complications of 12 kinds of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy were found, including short or long screw selection, forward or upward plate placement, hinge fracture, deviation of osteotomy line positioning from actual osteotomy, insufficient or too much force line correction, bone nonunion, fracture displacement, bone nonunion, nail withdrawal, postoperative infection, postoperative acute intermuscular venous thrombosis, and postoperative wound swelling and pain. (2) After analyzing and treating 12 kinds of common errors and complications in clinic, most patients had achieved good results. (3) We hoped to share these experiences and lessons with the majority of colleagues, and reduce the occurrence of intraoperative errors and postoperative complications as far as possible, as well as improve medical safety and postoperative satisfaction of patients.
Key words: medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy, knee osteoarthritis, error, complication, infection