Short-term Outcome Analysis of Proximal Fibular Osteotomy in Management of Osteoarthritis Knee

Ab s t r Ac t Aim: Proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO) for osteoarthritis (OA) knee is an emerging concept with good early results. This short-term study aimed to analyze the usefulness of PFO in Indian patients with OA knee with regard to pain relief and correction of deformity. Materials and methods: This study involves a surgical technique where 2 cm of proximal fibular bone is resected, and patient is permitted fullweight-bearing walking as early as possible. Subjective and objective outcome analyses done using Lysholm knee scoring sheet and radiographs, respectively. Minimum follow-up time was 6 months. Results: We had a of total of 20 knees in 18 patients, with average age of 56.1 years. The average visual analog score reduced by 6.8 points, and the average Lysholm knee score improved by an average of 34 points at the end of follow-up. The mean alpha angle correction achieved was 3.738°. The calculation of Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the amount of correction of alpha angle and reduction of visual analog scale during the immediate postoperative period was −0.186. Among the 20 knees, we had four cases of weakness of extensor hallucis longus. Conclusion: Through our short-term prospective cohort study, we conclude that PFO helps in improvement of pain and function, in patients suffering from medial compartment OA knee. The effectiveness of proximal tibiofibular joint mechanism in immediate pain relief is evident in our study by subjective and objective means. A proper selection of case with regard to severity and duration of disease and patellofemoral involvement is vital in getting good results. Clinical significance: Proximal fibular osteotomy is an emerging concept in the management of OA of knee and gives the patient, more years, with native knee to walk.