The treatment of high tibial osteotomy non-union with the Ilizarov external fixator

Abstract

To evaluate the results of the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of non-union post-high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Five non-unions, in four patients, following HTO were treated by Ilizarov fixation. Clinical outcome was assessed pre- and post-operatively by the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS). Radiological analysis assessed bone healing pre- and post-operatively and measured proximal tibial alignment. All cases healed with a mean time of 25 ± 3 weeks (Mean ± SD) (range, 24-30 weeks) in the fixator. The clinical and radiological outcome improved in all cases. Four knees were initially in excessive varus and underwent correction of alignment, as measured by medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), from 75. 5° ± 8. 4° (mean ± SD) to 90. 2° ± 2. 7° (normal range, 85°-90°). One patient was in excessive valgus and had a correction of MPTA from 100° to 87°. The KSCRS knee score improved from 35. 6 ± 10. 8 to 86. 6 ± 13. 9 (mean ± SD) (normal score = 100) and the functional score from 37. 8 ± 11. 8 to 85. 4 ± 10. 5 (mean ± SD) (normal score = 100). The Ilizarov technique is a minimally invasive method that produces excellent clinical, radiological and functional outcomes. © 2012 The Author(s).