Computer-Assisted Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Osteotomies around the knee are gaining in popularity as a result of the increase in unicompartmental osteoarthritis among young adults. However, common techniques fail to achieve optimal correction in all patients. In the laboratory as well clinically, computer-assisted surgery allows for intraoperative multiplanar measurements of lower-extremity axis and deformation in real time, thus improving accuracy and reducing the variability of correction. Control of the posterior tibial slope and a reduction in radiation are other advantages. The increase in surgical time is actually estimated to be only 15 to 20 minutes. Furthermore, computer-assisted surgery systems are powerful research tools and may allow for a better understanding of the 3-dimensional deformations generated by high tibial osteotomy. This article discusses objectives, surgical technique, results, and future development in computer-assisted open-wedge high tibial osteotomy. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.