High Tibial Osteotomy Using the ‘Tomofix™’ Plating System: Short Term Outcomes in Young Adults

Abstract

Proximal tibial valgus osteotomy is one of the treatment options for painful medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity of the knee. The aim of our study was to determine and quantify how much osteotomy altered symptoms from medial compartment gonoarthrosis. In addition we aimed to establish whether the Tomofix plating system would permit early weight bearing and achieve union without the use of bone grafts. We prospectively analysed our experience with medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy using the Tomofix plate. Thirty-five knees were included in the study. The mean age was 47 years (36-59 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 23 months (7-48 Months). All patients underwent medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy using the Tomofix plating system. Data was recorded using the Oxford Knee score, the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome score and through review of pre and postoperative x-rays. Good outcomes were seen with statistically significant improvement of both scores. There were two delayed unions, the remainder united without requirement for graft. There was improvement, in Oxford and Knee injury osteoarthritis scores. Correction of mal-alignment was seen in all cases. Early weight bearing was found to be permissible without risk of adverse event. The Tomofix plate provided immediate stability and satisfactory healing of the osteotomy site without the need for bone graft. Good functional results were seen.