Prospective evaluation of a new plate fixator for valgus-producing medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and sports-related outcome at 24 months after valgus-producing medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (owHTO) using a 2nd generation peek-carbon composite plate. Between 2010 and 2011, the 2nd generation PEEKPower HTO-Plate(A (R)) was used for medial owHTO in 28 consecutive patients (19 men, 9 women; mean age +/- A SD: 45 +/- A 11 years; mean varus deviation +/- A SD: 4A degrees A A +/- A 2A degrees). All of the patients had an osteotomy gap height of a parts per thousand currency sign12 mm without bone grafting. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, WOMAC score, and Lysholm score were evaluated preoperatively and at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Sports-related outcomes included the Tegner scale, and a self-designed questionnaire preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. Fixation stability of the implant was evaluated radiographically in two planes by comparing the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and tibial slope 2 days after medial owHTO (baseline measurements) and after implant removal (follow-up measurements). Complications were recorded during the whole study period. Compared to preoperative conditions, VAS, WOMAC, and Lysholm scores improved significantly (p < 0.05) at the 12- and 24-month follow-up. No significant differences were found between the 12- and 24-month follow-up. After 24 months, the sports frequency increased significantly (p < 0.05). No significant differences between baseline and follow-up measurements for the MPTA and tibial slope were observed. Total complication rate was 4 %, with one patient developing non-union. In the clinical practice, the 2nd generation PEEKPower HTO-Plate(A (R)) is a safe and efficient implant for medial owHTO without bone grafting in patients with an osteotomy gap of a parts per thousand currency sign12 mm. III.