Arthroscopic Evaluation of Cartilage Regeneration After Opening-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

It is a joint preserving procedure especially preferred in young patients for whom arthroplasty is not desirable. The procedure promotes regeneration by causing lateral shift of the weight-bearing axis, thus decreasing load on the medial compartment and widening the medial joint space.Many of the patients complains of irritation through the plate and wish metal removal after healing of the osteotomy.All patients will undergo initial arthroscopy before high tibial osteotomy (HTO). During arthroscopy, debridement of the degenerate tissues and meniscal tears if present will be performed. Then opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) will be performed and fixed by a plate system. Second-look arthroscopy will be conducted at the time of plate removal after healing of the osteotomy. This will be after about 6 months up to one year.