The purpose of this study was to clinically and radiologically evaluate the availability, osteoconductivity, and resorption of a novel unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite (UDPHAp) used as an artificial substitute for open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Our hypothesis was that UDPHAp is a safe and useful bone substitute for OWHTO.
Seven patients (2 men and 5 women aged 34-72years) who underwent OWHTO and were followed up for more than 12months were retrospectively studied. After the osteotomy, the gap created was filled with UDPHAp(REGENOS® Kuraray Co.Ltd). Radiography and computed tomography(CT) were performed, and gap healing was assessed postoperatively. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) knee score was determined pre- and post-operatively for clinical evaluation.
Neither gross displacement nor collapse of the UDPHAp block graft was observed within 12 months after surgery. Both radiographs and CT showed attenuation of lucency and increasing sclerosis over time. JOA score improved from 71.2 (65-80) to 95.8 (85-100).
Short term results for OWHTO using UDPHAp was satisfactory. Clinical improvement of JOA scores were seen, besides osteogenesis was progressing in and around the artificial bone grafts.