Abstract
BACKGROUND: It has been confirmed that the increased posterior tibial slope over 12 degrees is a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury, and varus deformity can aggravate the progression of medial osteoarthritis. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of modified high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries with varus deformities and increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) based on clinical and imaging data. METHODS: The patient data in this retrospective study were collected from 2019 to 2021. A total of 6 patients were diagnosed with ACL injury combined with varus deformities and increased PTS. All patients underwent modified open wedge HTO and ACLR. The degree of correction of varus deformity and the PTS was evaluated by radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: All 6 patients (6 knee joints) were followed up for an average of 20.8 ± 3.7 months. The average age at surgery was 29.5 ± 3.8 years. At the last follow-up, all patients resumed competitive sports. The International Knee Documentation Committee score increased from 50.3 ± 3.1 to 87.0 ± 2.8, the Lysholm score increased from 43.8 ± 4.9 to 86 ± 3.1, and the Tegner activity level increased from 2.2 ± 0.7 to 7.0 ± 0.6. The average movement distance of the tibia anterior translation was 4.8 ± 1.1 mm, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) was 88.9 ± 1.3° at the last follow-up, and the PTS was 8.4 ± 1.4°, both of which were significantly higher than those before surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Modified open wedge HTO combined with ACLR can effectively treat patients with ACL ruptures with an associated increased PTS and varus deformity. The short-term effect is significant, but the long-term effect requires further follow-up.