Varus osteoarthritis closing wedge high tibial osteotomy held on medium_term results

115 knees of 109 patients admitted to Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology between 1998 to 2009 were treated surgically with lateral closed wedge high tibial osteotomy. 75 patients (80 knees) of this population, who survived at least 5 years follow-up period (60-156 months) were called for control examination. 35 of 80 knees who accepted our call were evaluated in this study. Mean follow-up time of our study was 87,65 months. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) was pre-operatively 54,68 and at last follow-up 70,17. According to KSS grading system excellent and good knees have a rate of 77,1%. At last follow-up knees with varus alignment had poorest clinical results (KSS:40), and knees with 4 degrees valgus alignment had excellent results (KSS:86). Tibial slope and patellar height decreased significantly after lateral closed wedge high tibial osteotomy. These changes has no effect on patients satisfaction and functions. The decrease on these rates doesn't have any correlation with correction rates. According to our results, gender and post-operative follow-up time period have no effect on surgical results. High grade rthrosis and worsening of valgus alignment create unfavourable results. Preservation of valgus alignment causes succesful results. patients age and obesity are other factors causing poor results. High tibial osteotomy has no effect on lateral compartment. Only those cases, which has loss of correction and progressive arthrosis in both compartments, have degeneration in lateral compartement.