Long-term outcome after high tibial osteotomy

Introduction The frequency of tibial osteotomy in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee has decreased due to the demanding surgical procedure and the rising number of total knee replacements (TKR). Only few data exist concerning survival rates after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with a follow-up exceeding 10 years. We want to present long-term results with a follow-up of more than 18 years after operation. Materials and Methods Survival rates and the influence of age, gender and the mechanical axis were investigated in 134 lateral closing-wedge osteotomies in 111 patients. Results The survival rate was 94% after 5 years, 79.9% after10 years, 65.5% after 15 years, and 54.1% after 18 years. Age had a significant influence on the survival and gender and the mechanical axis had no significant influence. Conclusion We conclude, that with a 54.1% survival after 18 years HTO is a useful facility to protract the implantation of a total knee prosthesis.