Osteotomy or Total Endoprosthesis of the Knee?

Overview

The authors draw attention to osteotomy in the region of the knee. During the present era oftotal endoprostheses of the knee iont osteotomy in the region of the knee still holds its firmplace and has certain advantages. After total endoprosthesis of the knee the results are verygood. From practice it is however known that total endoprostheses have their limitations intime. This is why in younger age groups, if possible, osteotomy is considered. It is best to performit in the stage before advanced signs of primary and secondary gonathreitis develop. The authorsmention that at the Second Orthopaedic Clinic in 1998 some 22% operations in the region ofthe know were made, incl. 7% osteotomies. 5% total endoprostheses. The type of osteotomy usedat the Clinic is in the majority wedge-shaped osteotomy with fixation by means of osteosyntheticmaterial. Osteotomy of the tibia was performed on average at an age of 59 years in 56% menand 44% women. Osteotomy of the distal femur was made at an average age of 43 years in 44%men and 56% women. TEP of the knee was administered at an average age of 65 years in 38%men and 56% women. The authors demonstrate some types of osteotomies in the area of theknee which proved useful according to their experience.

Key words:
osteotomy of the tibia - osteotomy of the femur - endoprosthesis of the knee.