Technical tips and tricks for complex biplanar high tibial osteotomies.

Abstract

Purpose: While traditional high tibial osteotomy (HTO) techniques primarily address malalignment in the coronal plane, the significance of sagittal plane alignment, particularly the posterior tibial slope (PTS), is not to be overlooked in the setting of cruciate ligament insufficiency. Combined deformities involving both the coronal plane and the sagittal plane are less common and present unique surgical challenges. This narrative review summarizes the literature and introduces tips and tricks for managing complex biplanar deformities through a case-based discussion of different techniques.

Methods: This narrative review includes preoperative planning, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes and illustrative clinical cases detailing surgical rationale and technical nuances in the correction of biplanar proximal tibial deformities. Emphasis is placed on the importance of accurate assessment and correction of biplanar deformities to optimize patient outcomes. Four representative technique presentations are included: (1) Hybrid HTO with a posterior opening wedge (POW) and anterior closing wedge (ACW), (2) asymmetrical medial closing wedge (MCW) HTO, (3) medial opening wedge (MOW) HTO with an anterolateral hinge and (4) a double HTO with both an infratuberosity ACW and high MOW.

Conclusion: Biplanar HTO is a knee-preserving surgical option for a small cohort of patients with complex knee deformities involving both the coronal and sagittal planes. Precise preoperative planning and meticulous surgical execution are essential to address these biplanar malalignments effectively. This narrative review serves as a guide for orthopaedic surgeons, highlighting key considerations when planning biplanar HTO and serves as a practical guide for complex cases.

Level of evidence: Level V.