Open wedge high tibial osteotomy alters patellofemoral joint kinematics: A multibody simulation study

Changes in lower limb alignment after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (owHTO) influence joint kinematics. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and kinematic changes of the knee joint, in particular the patellofemoral joint, using a multibody simulation model. OwHTO with an open tibial wedge of 6–12 mm (1 mm intervals) was virtually performed on each of 13 three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design models (CAD models) derived from computer tomography scans of full-leg cadaver specimens. For each owHTO, an individual biomechanical simulation model was built and knee flexion from 5° to 100° was simulated using a multibody simulation model of the native knee. Morphologic and alignment parameters as well as tibiofemoral and patellofemoral kinematic parameters were evaluated. Almost linear changes in tibial tuberosity trochlea groove (TT-TG) (0.42 mm/1 mm wedge height) were observed which led to pathological values (TT-TG > 20 mm) in 3 out of 13 knees. Furthermore, a 6 mm increase in osteotomy wedge height increased lateral patellofemoral rotation by 0.8° (range: 0.39° to 1.11°) and led to a lateral patellar translation of 0.8 mm (range: 0.37–3.11 mm) on average. Additionally, valgisation led to a medial translation of the tibia and a decrease in the degree of tibial internal rotation during knee flexion of approximately 0.3°/1 mm increase in osteotomy wedge height. The increase in TT-TG and the biomechanical effects observed influence patellofemoral tracking, which may increase retropatellar pressure and are potential risk factors for the development of anterior knee pain.