Aims: Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for medial-compartment osteoarthritis of the knee can be complicated by intra-operative lateral hinge fracture (LHF). We aimed to establish the relationship between hinge position and fracture types, and suggest an appropriate hinge position to reduce the risk of this complication. Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing OWHTO were evaluated on coronal multiplanar reconstruction CT images. Hinge positions were divided into five zones in our new classification, by their relationship to the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ). Fractures were classified into types I, II, and III according to the Takeuchi classification. Results: Among 111 patients undergoing OWHTOs, 22 sustained lateral hinge fractures. Of the 89 patients without fractures, 70 had hinges in the zone within the PTFJ and lateral to the medial margin of the PTFJ (zone WL), just above the PTFJ. Among the five zones, the relative risk of unstable fracture was significantly lower in zone WL (relative risk 0.24, confidence interval 0.17 to 0.34). Conclusion: Zone WL appears to offer the safest position for the placement of the osteotomy hinge when trying to avoid a fracture at the osteotomy site. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99B10:1313–18

The objective of this study was to validate the efficacy of Takeuchi classification for lateral hinge fractures (LHFs) in open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). In all 74 osteoarthritic knees (58 females, 16 males; mean age 62.9 years, standard deviation 7.5, 42 to 77) were treated with OWHTO using a TomoFix plate. The knees were divided into non-fracture (59 knees) and LHF (15 knees) groups, and the LHF group was further divided into Takeuchi types I, II, and III (seven, two, and six knees, respectively). The outcomes were assessed pre-operatively and one year after OWHTO. Pre-operative characteristics (age, gender and body mass index) showed no significant difference between the two groups. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was significantly improved one year after operation regardless of the presence or absence of LHF (p = 0.0015, p < 0.001, respectively). However, six of seven type I cases had no LHF-related complications; both type II cases had delayed union; and of six type III cases, two had delayed union with correction loss and one had overcorrection. These results suggest that Takeuchi type II and III LHFs are structurally unstable compared with type I.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1226–31.

Medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that is frequently associated with significant pain and dysfunction. Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) offers a unique opportunity to preserve the knee joint and potentially alter the course of the degenerative process. Recent advances in this field of surgery have enabled surgeons to perform a MOWHTO in a safe, reliable, and reproducible manner. This state-of-the-art review highlights the most important advances in the field of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. Key concepts related to patient selection, pre-operative planning, surgical accuracy, and patient outcome are considered. The importance of an individualised approach is emphasised and its influence on the future direction of the procedure is discussed.

Medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) is now attracting increased attention as a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis. However, the healing rate after root repair by the suture anchor technique or the pull‐out technique is still low. Here we report on a technique of MMPRT repair using suture anchor combined with arthroscopic meniscal centralization and open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). The purposes of this technique are (1) to distribute the meniscal hoop tension between the root repair site and the centralization site and (2) to reduce the load on medial meniscus by OWHTO. The routine exposure for OWHTO with superficial medial collateral ligament release creates good visualization for arthroscopic root repair. The first anchor is inserted on the medial edge of the medial tibial plateau, and the second anchor is inserted on the root attachment through a posteromedial portal. After tying the knots, OWHTO could be performed without interference between the suture anchors and the screws of the plate for fixing the osteotomy. Although further follow‐up is required, this technique could improve the outcomes after root repair, as well as have some technical advantages. Technique Video: video See video under supplementary data.