OBLIQUE PROXIMAL TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY FOR THE CORRECTION OF TIBIA VARA INTHE YOUNG

Proximal tibial osteotomy in the growing patient historically has been associated sith a high rate of neurovascular complications and maluni on, Here is reported a technique of valgus proximal tibial osteotomy, of the incomplete closing a edge type. that has avoided neurovascular compromise while achieving, reliable correction and rapid bony union, Oblique proximal tibial valgus osteotomies with lateral tension plate fixation were performed on 18 tibiae in 14 patients (age range, 5-25 y ears) with tibia vara, The primary diagnosis was Blount's disease in 1 3 tibiae, achondroplasia in 2 tibiae. multiple epiphyseal dysplasia in 2 tibiae, and hypochondroplasia in 1 tibia, No postoperative plaster immobilization tvas necessary, All patients were able to hear weight f ully by 8 weeks after surgery. Average angular correction was 18 degre es. One patient had overcorrection because of an unrecognized intraope rative fracture of the medial tibial cortex, There were no neurovascul ar complications, No growth disturbance of the proximal tibial physis tvas noted, Oblique proximal tibial osteotomy with tension plate fixat ion successfully corrected varus deformity of the proximal tibia in th e growing patient without damage to the proximal tibial physis or neur ovascular compromise.