Osteochondral lesions and osteoarthritis in young patients are often caused by chronic knee instability and varus malalignment. We present the indications, operative technique, and results for the combined operation of high tibial osteotomy and cruciate ligament reconstruction.
From April 1996 until December 2000, 58 patients (average age: 33 years) underwent simultaneous osteotomy (57 correcting valgus, 1 valgus malalignment) and cruciate ligament reconstruction (49 ACL, 7 PCL, 2 ACL & PCL) which was routinely performed with an arthroscopic technique after completion of the osteotomy (closed wedge technique). Average correction angle of the osteotomy was 7 degrees (4-10 degrees) with a mean malalignment of 5 degrees (0-10 degrees). Thirteen patients underwent additional cartilage surgery (osteochondral autograft transplantation, autologous chondrocyte transplantation, microfracturing), and two patients were implanted with a collagen meniscus (CMI) at the same time.
Preoperatively the Lysholm score was 66 (35-81) points and increased to 81 (74-95), 87 (79-99), and 93 (88-99) points 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Subjectively all patients reported an improvement of preoperative swelling, pain, and instability. Additional cartilage surgery or meniscus implantation did not significantly alter the clinical score values. Complications were noted in four patients.
Unstable knees with varus malalignment can be sufficiently treated by osteotomy and cruciate ligament reconstruction at the same time, suggesting that unicompartimental decompression and treatment of instability is a causal and cost-effective therapy delaying the progression of osteoarthritis and minimizing clinical symptoms. Performing both operations in one procedure facilitates early rehabilitation and the return of these patients to the activities of daily living and sports.