Valgus producing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an
effective treatment option for medial compartment
osteoarthrosis with varus deformity in young
patients. The most common complications of conventional
high tibial osteotomy techniques are related to
accuracy of correction. Major angle correction of
more than 15º with an osteotomy proximal to the tibial
tuberosity may cause significant change in
patellofemoral mechanics and patellar height. Valgus
HTO was performed in 11 lower limbs of 9 patients
with gradual correction of the varus deformity using
an Ilizarov external fixator, with the osteotomy at the
distal border of the tibial tuberosity. The mean age of
the patients was 38.5 years. The average correction
was 17°. They were followed up for an average of
25 months. The mean preoperative “Hospital for
Special Surgery” (HSS) score was 68 and improved to
a mean of 90 at follow-up. Nine limbs had excellent or
good HSS scores. Disadvantages of this technique
were mainly pin tract infection and poor patient
acceptance and noncompliance.