The lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LOWDFO) to reconstruct knee alignment in patients with genu valgum originating in the distal femur has gained importance within the last years.
To analyze clinical and radiographic outcome of patients treated with LOWDFO with respect to bone healing without grafting and patient age.
Twenty-two consecutive patients with genu valgum corrected with 23 LOWDFOs using a Tomofix-locking plate were retrospectively analyzed (mean age 23.7 years). Clinical evaluation was based on pre- and post-operative KOOS scores. A pre- and post-operative radiographic assessment, including MAD, mLDFA, LLD, bone healing, and patella parameters, was performed. Differences between subgroups (age, bone grafting) were analyzed.
The restoration of MAD and mLDFA resulted in significantly improved post-operative KOOS
LOWDFO without bone grafting is a reliable procedure representing a promising treatment option particularly in young patients with genu valgum. Besides correction of the MAD, a significant leg length increase and additional patella stability can be expected.