Early Loading after Closed Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Knee Arthritis.
Numerous scientific works, which recently appeared in the periodic literature, confirm both high interest to the given problem and efficiency of this method. The discussion deals basically with the choice of correct indications for the osteotomy, and also with selection of a method for its carrying out.
Currently, high tibial osteotomy is recognised as a confident alternative to total knee prosthesis. At first sight, total knee prosthesis is more advantageous. It has a short term of postoperative rehabilitation, and provides more precise positive outcome of the treatment. In contrast, the basic advantage of closed wedge high tibial osteotomy within the treatment of knee arthritis is the opportunity to maintain the function of natural knee joint. It is well documentedthat the choice of closed wedge high tibial osteotomy by correct management of its indications gives high density of successful results of treatment.
By the combination of arthritis in the medial tibiofemoral compartment and varus deformations of the knee, the traditionally applied treatment is the closed wedge high tibial osteotomy through external access with osteosynthesis by staples.2,3 The limitations of the method are the necessity
of postoperative immobilization, late term of loading and long period of functional recovery. Furthermore, it is necessary to note a small range of correction for the varus deformation. From
different medical sources, the maximum of correction makes between 15 and 25°.
The studies performed in our department on early loading after arthroscopy and total knee arthroplasty have forced us to reconsider the approach for postoperative rehabilitation after closed wedge high tibial osteotomy. The following study describes the effects of early loading after closed wedge high tibial osteotomy as the treatment of gonarthitis.
Sport Exerc Med Open J. 2015; 1(4): 114-117. doi: 10.17140/SEMOJ-1-118
