Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) versus mobile bearing unicondylar medial joint replacement: five years results

Introduction Aim of this study was to compare clinical results after open wedge HTO (OW-HTO and medial unicondylar joint replacement (UKA) in patients aged between 55 and 65. Materials and methods Fifty-four patients aged between 55 and 65 years with medial OA and varus malalignement who had been treated by either OW-HTO or UKA could be included. Minimum follow up was 5 years. The HSS knee score and the KOOS were used to evaluate clinical outcome. Results There was no difference in the revision rate, the HSS knee score and the KOOS subscales Sports/Rec and ADL between the OW-HTO and UKA group. However, the KOOS subscales pain, Symptoms and QoL were significantly better in the UKA group compared to the OW-HTO. Conclusions The results of this study showed that 5 years after surgery patients after UKA had less residual pain and symptoms than patients after UKA. These advantages might result in a higher quality of life.