Dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy with semi-circular Ilizarov pin fixator: Mid- to long-term results of a novel technique.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of the dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy (HTO) which was fixed with a novel construct comprised of semi-circular Ilizarov frames and pins.

Methods: The patients with at least five years of follow-up were evaluated. One-hundred and thirty-two knees of 114 patients were included in the final analysis. The clinical evaluation included range of motion and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Anatomical femorotibial angle (aFTA), anatomical medial proximal tibial angle (aMPTA), tibial slope and Insall-Salvati ratio were calculated on standard weight-bearing radiographs.

Results: The average aFTA was improved from 1.6° varus to 8.7° valgus (P < 0.001). The average WOMAC score (P < 0.001) and flexion value (P = 0.014) were improved at the latest follow-up (WOMAC: 17.2, flexion: 142.5) compared with the preoperative period (WOMAC: 59.6, flexion: 129.2). The sagittal radiological parameters were not significantly affected. The five-year survival was 96.2%, and 10-year survival was 83.3%.

Conclusions: The semi-circular Ilizarov pin construct provided satisfactory outcomes both clinically and radiologically at mid- to long-term follow-up.