High tibial osteotomy-long term results in osteoarthritis of knee joint

Aim: to evaluate the long term results of high tibial osteotomy in our population keeping in view low socio-economical status. place and duration of study: the study was conducted initially in orthopaedic department mayo hospital lahore from 1988 to 1993 and then at aimth/kmsmc orthopaedic dept from 1997 to 2003. methods: total 74 patients were selected for retrospective analysis of high-tibial osteotomy. the operation were performed initially in mayo hospital,lahore (1988 to 1993) and then at aimth/kms medical college,sialkot (1997 to 2003). all patients were evaluated clinically according to baily knee rating scale and radiologically by measuring tibio-femoral angle. the fallow up extended 10 to 13 years with an average of 08 to 10 years. 12 patients were lost to follow up after 10 years,08 (5.92%) patients died after 08 to 11 year of surgery due to associated medical problems. the mean age of the patients were 54 years. range b/w 50-75 years. results were reviewed and 45 patients (60.8%) had excellent results 20 patients (27%) good,5(6.75%) fair,4 patients (5.4%) poor results according to selected scale. 45 patients stated that they would like to have this surgery again because of its good results. conclusion: after retrospective analysis of the patient we concluded that high tibial osteotomy is a procedure of choice in carefully selected and operated patients. it gives long term pain free relief to patients before knee orthoplasty and it is considered as good standard procedure of choice in lower socio-economical patients.