Proximal tibia osteotomy with absorbable spacer combined with fibular osteotomy versus high tibial osteotomy for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis

Purpose The study aimed to compare the perioperative complications, short-term clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and radiographic parameters of tibiofibular proximal osteotomy combined with absorbable spacer insertion (TPOASI) and open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) in a two year postoperative time period. Methods A total of 160 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence classification grade 3 medial compartmental knee OA were randomized to receive either TPOASI ( n = 82) or OWHTO ( n = 78). The primary and secondary outcomes were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at each follow-up examination. The primary outcomes were the between-group change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Global score (WOMAC). Secondary measures included visual analog scale (VAS), radiographic parameters, American Knee Society Score (KSS), operation time, blood loss, length of incision, hospital stay, and relevant complications. Postoperative radiographic parameters, including the femorotibial angle (FTA), varus angle (VA), and joint line convergence angle (JLCA), were measured to evaluate the correction of varus deformity. Results No significant differences were found in the baseline data between the two groups. Both methods improved functional status and pain postoperatively. For primary outcomes of both groups, statistical difference was observed in WOMAC scores at the 6-month follow-up ( P < 0.001). For secondary outcomes, no statistical difference was observed between the groups during the 2-year follow-up ( P > 0.05). For TPOASI vs. OWHTO, the mean hospital stay (6.6 ± 1.3 days vs. 7.8 ± 2.1 days) was shorter ( P < 0.001), and both blood loss (70.56 ± 35.58 vs. 174.00 ± 66.33 mL) and complication rate (3.7% vs. 12.8%) were significantly lower ( P < 0.005 for both). Conclusions Both approaches showed satisfactory functional outcomes and alleviated pain. However, TPOASI is a simple, feasible method with few complications, and it could be widely used.