Opening Wedge Osteotomies of the Proximal Tibia and Distal Femur

The use of osteotomy is a method to restore knee alignment and is based on the transfer of weight-bearing forces from the area affected by arthrosis to a healthy region of the knee. This force redistribution is the distinctive aspect of osteotomy when compared to other treatment methods. In the last decades, since the introduction and success of knee arthroplasty, the predominance of osteotomy has gradually declined. Nowadays, the actual necessity of osteotomy, beside as a prophylactic operation, is still debated. However, osteotomy remains a valuable technique, in agreement with precise patient indications.

Keywords: Biomechanics, Lateral opening wedge, Medial opening wedge, Osteotomy, Osteotomy contraindications, Patient selection, Postoperative axis, Postoperative rehabilitation, Preoperative axis, Radiographic evaluation, Surgical procedure.