Open-Wedge HTO with Absorbable ?-TCP/PLGA Spacer Implantation and Proximal Fibular Osteotomy for Medial Compartmental Knee Osteoarthritis: New Technique Presentation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present a new absorbable spacer for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA). The functional and radiographic results of patients treated with the novel surgical technique were also evaluated to investigate its clinical feasibility. Methods: Patients with medial compartmental knee OA who underwent open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with absorbable ?-TCP/PLGA [30% beta-tricalcium phosphate and 70% poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)] spacer implantation and proximal fibular osteotomy from January 2016 to February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The operation time, blood loss, and relevant complications were reviewed. The femorotibial angle (FTA), varus angle (VA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), American Knee Society Score (KSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow-up, respectively. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean FTA and JLCA were 179.85????4.34? and 2.44????1.26?, respectively, which were smaller than the preoperative values (182.94????3.86? and 4.12????1.65?, respectively; both p?

Automated summary

The study presented a new absorbable spacer for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis and evaluated its clinical feasibility. The results showed improvements in the femorotibial angle, varus angle, joint line convergence angle, American Knee Society Score, and visual analog scale score at the final follow-up.