Abstract
Background The subjective health related quality of life in patients with degenerative joint
diseases is an important variable to evaluate the treatment outcome. In this study,
mid-term results of open wedge HTO were analysed and compared to the subjective quality
of life (SF 36) of the general population. Furthermore, the relationships of preoperative
assessed subscales of the health-related quality of life (SF 36) and the conversion
to knee arthroplasty were analysed.
Methods The cohort consisted of 120 patients who were prospectively followed-up after open
wedge HTO. At five follow-up points of time, patients were examined and asked about
their subjective, health-related quality of life using the SF 36 score.
Results 104 patients were included and evaluated until the last follow-up (mean: 81.2 ± 11.3
months after open wedge HTO; follow-up rate: 86.7%). Six years after open wedge HTO,
similar values in several psychologic subscales of the SF 36 (BP, GH, V, MH) and the
mental health component summary score (MCS) compared to the general population were
found. The physical health component summary score (PCS) showed a significant improvement
relative to the preoperative values. Nine out of 104 patients (8.7%) received a knee
arthroplasty (50.1 ± 25.0 months). Low preoperative values of the subscales “physical
functioning” (PF) and “bodily pain” (BP) were identified as risk factors in terms
of conversion to a total knee arthroplasty.
Conclusions Patients with medial unicompartimental knee osteoarthrosis treated with open wedge
HTO showed very good results. The health-related quality of life was nearly as high
as in the general population. Patients with preoperative low physical function and
high pain values have a higher risk to have a conversion to knee arthroplasty. Surgeons
should be aware of these factors if an open wedge HTO is considered.
Key words open wedge HTO - high tibial osteotomy - quality of life - SF 36 - knee osteoarthritis