Early Full Weight Bearing after an Autogenous Structural Bone Graft for Treating a Medial Tibial Bone Defect in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Minimum 5 Years Follow up Results

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of early full weight bearing after an autogenous bone graft and metal screw fixation of severe varus deformity with a medial tibial bone defect in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1996 to March 2004, 34 patients (43 cases) were selected for the analysis. The average age was 68 and the mean follow up period was 72 month. The clinical results were evaluated using the knee range of motion and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. The radiological results were evaluated using the tibiofemoral angle, the presence of loosening, radiolucent lines and osteolysis and the component's location. RESULTS: The mean HSS score increased from 46 to 87 points on the final follow up. The mean range of motion was increased from 71degrees to 118degrees on the final follow up. The mean femorotibial angle showed varus deformity angulation (23.5degrees) at pre-operative surgery, 6.2degrees valgus deformity for the first 7 postoperative days and 6.1 valgus at the last follow up. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that an autogenous structural bone graft and metal screw fixation has fine results and makes early ambulation possible for the patient who has severe varus deformity with a medial tibial bone defect.