Medial gradual opening osteotomy of the tibia with monolateral external fixator for correcting the varus deformity of the tibia

Abstract

Objective: Correction of the varus deformities in the tibia is necessary because of the excessive pressure exerted on the medial compartment of the knee, which intensifies the degenerative process. Correction strategies encompass a variety of approaches and depend on the patient’s individual characteristics, age, soft tissue condition, and the orthopaedic surgeon’s experience with different surgical materials. Size and location of the deformity, whether gradual or acute, play crucial roles in choosing the most appropriate material and shape. The gradual correction is especially indicated for patients with severe deformities, soft tissue involvement, and a history of bone infections. This study aimed to introduce a gradual correction technique for varus deformities in the tibia using a unilateral external fixator and to describe the postoperative follow-up. This technique offers notable advantages, including accurate correction, better patient acceptance, lighter assembly, less risk of pseudarthrosis, and shorter distraction process owing to the use of a single piece. In addition, the operated limb can support the load on the day after surgery, and dynamic follow-up is performed on an outpatient basis.