Comparison of different degrees of varus deformity correction with open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a retrospective study over 5 years

Objective This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and complications associated with open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) in the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, the compensatory changes in the hip, patellofemoral, and ankle regions will be assessed through imaging. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data pertaining to 86 patients who underwent OWHTO at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2015 to September 2018 was conducted. The weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) was measured postoperatively, and patients were categorized into a normal group (50% < WBLR ≤ 62.5%, n = 67) and an overcorrection group (WBLR > 62.5%, n = 19). Various parameters, including hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS), were measured before surgery and at the last follow-up to assess lower limb line correction. The compensatory changes in adjacent joints were evaluated by measuring hip abductor angle (HAA), tibial plafond inclination (TPI), talus inclination angle (TIA), Carton–Deschamps index, lateral patellar tilt (LPT), lateral patellar shift (LPS), medial patellofemoral space, and lateral patellofemoral space in both groups. The American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) of the affected knee were assessed before surgery and at the last follow-up, and the incidence of complications in both groups was analyzed. Results Postoperative complications occurred in 26.32% (five cases) of the overcorrection group and 5.97% (four cases) of the normal group, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2 = 4.548, p = 0.033). No significant differences were observed in HSS and WOMAC between the two groups at the last follow-up. HAA was − 2.44 ± 1.98° in the overcorrection group and − 1.16 ± 2.1° in the normal group, with a statistically significant difference ( t = 2.32, p = 0.023). There were no significant differences in other imaging indexes. Conclusion Overcorrection of varus deformity may not significantly impact clinical outcomes within 5 years post-OWHTO but may elevate the incidence of postoperative complications and lead to increased compensatory adduction of the hip.