A lower starting point for the medial cut increases the posterior slope in opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a cadaveric study

Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on the posterior tibial slope of different distances from the joint line to start the osteotomy and of varying the placement of the opening wedge in high tibial osteotomy. Starting the osteotomy more distally and an incorrect location for the tibial opening wedge were hypothesized to increase the posterior tibial slope. Methods A cadaveric study was conducted using 12 knees divided into two groups based on the distance from the joint line to the start of the osteotomy: 3 and 4 cm. The preintervention posterior tibial slope was measured radiologically. Once the osteotomy was performed, the medial cortex of the tibia was divided into anteromedial, medial, and posteromedial thirds. A 10° opening wedge was sequentially placed in each third, and the effect on the posterior tibial slope was evaluated radiographically. Results: Significant changes were observed only in the 3-cm group ( p = 0.02) when the wedge was placed in the anteromedial zone. In contrast, in the 4-cm group, significant differences were observed when the opening wedge was placed at both the medial ( p = 0.04) and anteromedial ( p = 0.012) zones. Conclusion Correct control of the posterior tibial slope can be achieved by avoiding a low point when beginning the osteotomy and placing the opening wedge in the posteromedial third of the tibia when performing an opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy. Level of evidence Controlled laboratory study.