Proximal fibular osteotomy for pain relief and functional improvement in patients of osteoarthritis of knee

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of proximal fibular osteotomy in relieving pain and functional improvement in patients of osteoarthritis knee.Methods: We selected 38 patients with KOA, out of which 30 patients gave written informed consent and underwent proximal fibular osteotomy. The median time of follow-up was 13.3 months. Preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing and whole lower extremity radiographs were obtained to analyse the alignment of the lower extremity (tibio-femoral angle) and ratio of the knee joint space (medial/lateral compartment). Assessment of knee pain was done using a visual analogue scale, and knee functional activities were evaluated using the American Knee Society score (KSS 1 and 2) preoperatively and postoperatively.Results: Pain relief was observed in almost all patients after proximal fibular osteotomy. Weight-bearing lower extremity radiographs showed significant change in tibio-femoral angle an average increase in the postoperative medial knee joint space. Additionally, obvious change in alignment was observed in the whole lower extremity radiographs in 24 out of 30 patients. In three patients tibio-femoral angle showed progressive more varus alignment after proximal fibulectomy.Conclusions: In short-term study, proximal fibular osteotomy provides pain relief and functional wellbeing to the patients of KOA.