Analysis of postoperative complications 5 years after osteosynthesis of patella fractures-a retrospective, multicenter cohort study.

PURPOSE: The study aims to investigate the influence of patient- and fracture-specific factors on the occurrence of complications after osteosynthesis of patella fractures and to compare knee joint function, activity, and subjective pain levels after a regular postoperative course and after complications in the medium term. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study examined patients who received surgery for patella fracture at level 1 trauma centers between 2013 and 2018. Patient demographics and fracture-specific variables were evaluated. Final follow-up assessments included patient-reported pain scores (NRS), subjective activity and knee function scores (Tegner Activity Scale, Lysholm score, IKDC score), complications, and revisions. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients with a mean follow-up of 63.4 ± 21.3 months were included. Among them, 66.9% of patients underwent tension band wiring (TBW), 19.0% received locking plate osteosynthesis (LPO), and 14.1% underwent screw osteosynthesis (SO). A total of 38 patients (15.6%) experienced complications (TBW: 16.7%; LPO: 15.2%; SO: 11.8%). Implant-related complications of atraumatic fragment dislocation and material insufficiency/dislocation, accounted for 50% of all complications, were significantly more common after TBW than LPO (p = 0.015). No patient-specific factor was identified as a general cause for increased complications. Overall, particularly following complications such as limited range of motion or traumatic refracture, functional knee scores were significantly lower and pain levels were significantly higher at the final follow-up when a complication occurred. Implant-related complications, however, achieved functional scores comparable to a regular postoperative course without complications after revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that implant-related complications occurred significantly more often after TBW compared to LPO. The complication rates were similar in all groups.

S2k Guideline for Tibial Plateau Fractures - Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment. / S2k-Leitlinie Tibiakopffraktur ­ Klassifikation, Diagnostik und Therapie.

Tibial plateau fractures are mostly complex and surgically demanding joint fractures, which require a comprehensive understanding of the fracture morphology, ligamentous and neurovascular injuries, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic options for an optimal clinical outcome. Therefore, a standardised and structured approach is required. The success of the treatment of tibial plateau fractures relies on the interdisciplinary cooperation between surgical and conservative physicians in an outpatient and inpatient setting, physical therapists, patients and service providers (health insurance companies, statutory accident insurance, pension providers). On behalf of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU), the German Trauma Society (DGU) and the Society for Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery (AGA), under the leadership of the Fracture Committee of the German Knee Society (DKG), a guideline for tibial plateau fractures was created, which was developed in several voting rounds as part of a Delphi process. Based on the current literature, this guideline is intended to make clear recommendations and outline the most important treatment steps in diagnostics, therapy and follow-up treatment. Additionally, 25 statements were revised by the authors in several survey rounds using the Likert scale in order to reach a final consensus.

Anatomic repair and ligament bracing as an alternative treatment option for acute combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial or posterolateral corner-results of a multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial/-lateral corner (PMC/PLC) usually require surgical management. Literature shows controversy regarding the standards of treatment. Suture-augmented repair leads to excellent results in acute knee dislocations but has not been investigated clinically in combined PCL injuries. The purpose of this multicentre study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of this technique in acute combined PCL injuries. MATERIALS & METHODS: N = 33 patients with acute combined PCL injuries involving the PMC/PLC were treated by one-stage suture repair with ligament bracing of the PCL and suture repair of the accompanying PMC/PLC injuries with/without ligament bracing or primary augmentation by semitendinosus autograft. Outcome was assessed by IKDC questionnaire, Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Scale and KOOS. Additional PCL stress-radiography was performed. RESULTS: N = 31 patients with combined PCL injuries (female: male = 7:24; age 39.1 ± 13.8 years) with a follow-up of 16.8 ± 9.6 months were finally evaluated. 18 had PMC injuries, 13 PLC injuries. 32.2% presented with accompanying meniscal tears (70% medial meniscus). 19.4% showed cartilage injuries grade III-IV. Complications included one infection and four knee stiffnesses. Three had symptomatic postoperative instability, all affiliated to the PLC group. The IKDC was 69.8 ± 16.5, Lysholm score 85 ± 14.4 and KOOS 89.7 ± 8.1. Median loss of activity (Tegner) was 0.89 ± 1.31. Comparing PMC and PLC, all scores showed a tendency towards more favourable outcomes in the PMC group (n.s.). Stress-radiography showed an overall side-to-side difference of 3.7 ± 3.8 mm. Subgroup evaluation showed statistically significant better results (p = 0.035) of PMC (2.5 ± 1.5 mm) versus PLC (5.8 ± 5.6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: One-stage suture repair with ligament bracing is a viable technique for acute combined PCL injuries and predominantly leads to good and excellent clinical outcomes. Patients with PLC injuries show a tendency towards inferior outcomes and higher instability rates compared to PMC injuries. These results may help in therapy planning and counselling patients with these rare injury pattern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Assessment of Complication Risk in the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of 4019 Patients.

(1) Background: The treatment of proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) is debated controversially. Current clinical knowledge is mainly based on small single-center cohorts. The goal of this study was to evaluate the predictability of risk factors for complications after the treatment of a PHF in a large clinical cohort in a multicentric setting. (2) Methods: Clinical data of 4019 patients with PHFs were retrospectively collected from 9 participating hospitals. Risk factors for local complications of the affected shoulder were assessed using bi- and multivariate analyses. (3) Results: Fracture complexity with n = 3 or more fragments, cigarette smoking, age over 65 years, and female sex were identified as predictable individual risk factors for local complications after surgical therapy as well as the combination of female sex and smoking and the combination of age 65 years or older and ASA class 2 or higher. (4) Conclusion: Humeral head preserving reconstructive surgical therapy should critically be evaluated for patients with the risk factors abovementioned.

Bipolar Lesions of the Knee Are Associated With Inferior Clinical Outcome Following Articular Cartilage Regeneration. A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis Including 238 Patients of the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU).

PURPOSE: To determine whether bipolar lesions (BL) are associated with inferior clinical outcome following articular cartilage regeneration (CR) compared to unipolar lesions (UL). METHODS: A registry-based study, including patients undergoing isolated CR for focal knee cartilage lesions was performed. Lesions were considered UL or BL depending on the opposing cartilage. Propensity score matching was applied to eliminate potential confounders. Two groups comprising 119 patients with similar baseline characteristics were matched. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months following CR served as primary outcome measure. KOOS improvement, reaching the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), KOOS subcomponents, and failure rates were calculated. RESULTS: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) was the most frequently performed procedure in both groups with 63.0% (BL) and 46.6% (UL). There was a significant difference regarding KOOS at 24 months between UL (76.39 ± 14.96) and BL (69.83 ± 18.83; P = .028), which did not exceed the threshold of MCID. No significant difference was detected at any other follow-up. KOOS improvement from baseline was lower in the BL group at all follow-ups and peaked at 36 months in both groups (UL [26.00 ± 16.12] vs. BL [16.63 ± 17.29]; P = .024). The failure rate in the BL group was higher at 8.2% (9/110) compared to the UL group at 3.9% (4/98) (P = .256). CONCLUSIONS: BL were associated with worse clinical outcome 2 years following CR compared to UL. However, both groups showed an ongoing clinical improvement up to 3 years postoperatively and a low failure rate. While inferior clinical improvement and a lower clinical response rate may be expected in BL patients, the observed differences do not justify excluding these patients from CR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

Empfehlungen der AG Klinische Geweberegeneration zur Behandlung von Knorpelschäden am Kniegelenk. / Empfehlungen der AG Klinische Geweberegeneration zur Behandlung von Knorpelschäden am Kniegelenk.

The Working Group of the German Orthopedic and Trauma Society (DGOU) on Tissue Regeneration has published recommendations on the indication of different surgical approaches for treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects in the knee joint in 2004, 2013 and 2016. Based upon new scientific knowledge and new developments, this recommendation is an update based upon the best clinical evidence available. In addition to prospective randomised controlled clinical trials, this also includes studies with a lower level of evidence. In the absence of evidence, the decision is based on a consensus process within the members of the working group.The principle of making decision dependent on defect size has not been changed in the new recommendation either. The indication for arthroscopic microfracturing has been reduced up to a defect size of 2 cm2 maximum, while autologous chondrocyte implantation is the method of choice for larger cartilage defects. Additionally, matrix-augmented bone marrow stimulation (mBMS) has been included in the recommendation for defects ranging from 1 to 4.5 cm2. For the treatment of smaller osteochondral defects, in addition to osteochondral transplantation (OCT), mBMS is also recommended. For larger defects, matrix-augmented autologous chondrocyte implantation (mACI/mACT) in combination with augmentation of the subchondral bone is recommended.

Current practice of concomitant surgeries in cartilage repair of the femorotibial compartment of the knee: baseline data of 4968 consecutive patients from the German cartilage registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU).

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of underlying comorbidities is a field of rising interest in cartilage repair surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the current practice of concomitant surgeries in cartilage repair of the knee especially in the medial or lateral femorotibial compartment. Type, frequency and distribution of additional surgeries for correction of malalignment, knee instability and meniscus deficiency should be evaluated. METHODS: Baseline data of 4968 patients of the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU) were analyzed regarding the distribution of concomitant surgeries in addition to regenerative cartilage treatment. RESULTS: Beyond 4968 patients 2445 patients with cartilage defects in the femorotibial compartment of the knee could be identified. Of these patients 1230 (50.3%) received additional surgeries for correction of malalignment, instability and meniscus deficiency. Predominant procedures were leg axis corrections (31.3%), partial meniscectomy (20.9%) and ACL reconstruction (13.4%). The distribution of the concomitant surgeries varied between cartilage defects according to the different defect genesis. Patients with traumatic defects were younger (36y) and received predominantly ACL reconstructions (29.2%) (degenerative: 6.7%), whereas patients with degenerative defects were older (43y) and underwent predominantly leg axis corrections (38.0%; traumatic: 11.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the high frequency and distinct distribution of the concomitant surgeries in addition to regenerative cartilage treatment procedures. Understanding of the underlying cause of the cartilage defect and addressing the comorbidities as a whole joint therapy are of utmost importance for a successful regenerative cartilage treatment. These data provide a baseline for further follow up evaluations and long-term outcome analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Lessons from establishing a football-specific registry of anterior cruciate ligament injuries - data collection and first epidemiological data.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common severe type of football injury. Injury prevention measures should be adapted to the respective type of sports and be based on sports-specific strategies. A football-specific ACL registry including prospective ACL injury data of both sexes and at different skill levels is lacking in the literature. METHODS: In Germany, a prospective 'ACL registry for German Football' was implemented in the 2014-15 football season. Professional football leagues (1st to 3rd national league), semi-professional football leagues (4th until 6th leagues) and amateur football leagues (7th league and below) were monitored regarding the incidence of ACL injuries, risk factors, general treatment and rehabilitation. After the registration of an injury, injured players were sent a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 1,206 ACL ruptures were registered in the investigated population of more than 56,000 players, resulting in a prevalence of 2.1%. The highest prevalence was found in men's amateur football (2.7%) as well as in men's and women's professional football (2.1% each). CONCLUSION: This football-specific ACL registry provides for the first-time longitudinal data about ACL injury patterns and treatment at all football levels. This report describes the considerations for data collection and presents first epidemiological results of 6 years of ACL injury registration.

Biological Reconstruction of Localized Full-Thickness Cartilage Defects of the Knee: A Systematic Review of Level 1 Studies with a Minimum Follow-Up of 5 Years.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the best available mid- to long-term evidence of surgical procedures for the treatment of localized full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee. DESIGN: Systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines of Level 1 randomized clinical trials (RCTs), meta-analyses of RCTs and systematic reviews with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Data extracted included patient demographics, defect characteristics, clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as treatment failures. RESULTS: Six RCTs and 3 Level 1 systematic reviews were included. Two RCTs compared microfracture (MFx) to periosteum-covered autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI-P), 1 to matrix-associated ACI (M-ACI) and 2 to osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT). One study compared OAT to collagen membrane covered ACI (ACI-C). The 3 Level 1 systematic reviews/meta-analyses assessed the outcome of MFx, OAT, and various ACI methods in RCTs. OAT showed significantly better outcomes compared with MFx. In the 2 RCTs comparing ACI-P and MFx, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were seen, whereas significantly better outcomes were reported for M-ACI versus MFx in 1 study including patients with larger defects (5 cm2), and for ACI-C versus OAT in terms of Cincinnati Score. Higher failure rates were reported for MFx compared with OAT and for OAT compared with ACI-C, while no significant differences in failure rates were observed for ACI-P compared to MFx. CONCLUSION: Restorative cartilage procedures (ACI-C or M-ACI and OAT) are associated with better long-term clinical outcomes including lower complication and failure rates when compared with reparative techniques (MFx). Among the restorative procedures, OAT seems to be inferior to ACI especially in larger defects after longer follow-up periods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I: Systematic review of Level I studies.

Higher risk of ACL rupture in amateur football compared to professional football: 5-year results of the 'Anterior cruciate ligament-registry in German football'.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common severe type of football injury at all levels of play. A football-specific ACL registry providing both prospective ACL injury data according to the skill level and risk factors for ACL injury is lacking in the literature. METHODS: This study is based on the prospective 'ACL registry in German Football' implemented in the 2014-15 season. Professional (1st-3rd league), semi-professional (4th-6th league) and amateur leagues (7th league) were analysed regarding the incidence and risk factors for ACL injuries. Injuries were registered according to the direct reports of the injured players to the study office and double-checked via media analysis. After injury registration, the players received a standardised questionnaire. Data were analysed from the 2014-15 to the 2018-19 football season. RESULTS: Overall, 958 ACL injuries were registered during the 5-year study period. The incidence of ACL injuries was highest in amateur football (0.074/1000 h football exposure) compared to professional (0.058/1000 h; p < 0.0001) and semi-professional football (0.043/1000 h; p < 0.0001). At all skill levels, match incidence (professional: 0.343; semi-professional: 0.249; amateur: 0.319) was significantly higher than training incidence (professional: 0.015; semi-professional: 0.004; amateur: 0.005). Major risk factors were previous ACL injury (mean: 23.3%), other knee injuries (mean: 19.3%) and move to a higher league (mean: 24.2%). CONCLUSION: This sports-specific ACL registry provides detailed information on the incidence and risk factors for ACL injuries in football over five years. Risk factors are skill level, match exposure, move to a higher league and previous knee injury. These factors offer potential starting points for screening at-risk players and applying targeted prevention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Cell-based treatment options facilitate regeneration of cartilage, ligaments and meniscus in demanding conditions of the knee by a whole joint approach.

PURPOSE: This article provides an update on the current therapeutic options for cell-based regenerative treatment of the knee with a critical review of the present literature including a future perspective on the use of regenerative cell-based approaches. Special emphasis has been given on the requirement of a whole joint approach with treatment of comorbidities with aim of knee cartilage restoration, particularly in demanding conditions like early osteoarthritis. METHODS: This narrative review evaluates recent clinical data and published research articles on cell-based regenerative treatment options for cartilage and other structures around the knee RESULTS: Cell-based regenerative therapies for cartilage repair have become standard practice for the treatment of focal, traumatic chondral defects of the knee. Specifically, matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) shows satisfactory long-term results regarding radiological, histological and clinical outcome for treatment of large cartilage defects. Data show that regenerative treatment of the knee requires a whole joint approach by addressing all comorbidities including axis deviation, instability or meniscus pathologies. Further development of novel biomaterials and the discovery of alternative cell sources may facilitate the process of cell-based regenerative therapies for all knee structures becoming the gold standard in the future. CONCLUSION: Overall, cell-based regenerative cartilage therapy of the knee has shown tremendous development over the last years and has become the standard of care for large and isolated chondral defects. It has shown success in the treatment of traumatic, osteochondral defects but also for degenerative cartilage lesions in the demanding condition of early OA. Future developments and alternative cell sources may help to facilitate cell-based regenerative treatment for all different structures around the knee by a whole joint approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Fibronectin Adherent Cell Populations Derived From Avascular and Vascular Regions of the Meniscus Have Enhanced Clonogenicity and Differentiation Potential Under Physioxia.

The meniscus is composed of an avascular inner region and vascular outer region. The vascular region has been shown to contain a progenitor population with multilineage differentiation capacity. Strategies facilitating the isolation and propagation of these progenitors can be used to develop cell-based meniscal therapies. Differential adhesion to fibronectin has been used to isolate progenitor populations from cartilage, while low oxygen or physioxia (2% oxygen) enhances the meniscal phenotype. This study aimed to isolate progenitor populations from the avascular and vascular meniscus using differential fibronectin adherence and examine their clonogenicity and differentiation potential under hyperoxia (20% oxygen) and physioxia (2% oxygen). Human vascular and avascular meniscus cells were seeded onto fibronectin-coated dishes for a short period and monitored for colony formation under either hyperoxia or physioxia. Non-fibronectin adherent meniscus cells were also expanded under both oxygen tension. Individual fibronectin adherent colonies were isolated and further expanded, until approximately ten population doublings (passage 3), whereby they underwent chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. Physioxia enhances clonogenicity of vascular and avascular meniscus cells on plastic or fibronectin-coated plates. Combined differential fibronectin adhesion and physioxia isolated a progenitor population from both meniscus regions with trilineage differentiation potential compared to equivalent hyperoxia progenitors. Physioxia isolated progenitors had a significantly enhanced meniscus matrix content without the presence of collagen X. These results demonstrate that combined physioxia and fibronectin adherence can isolate and propagate a meniscus progenitor population that can potentially be used to treat meniscal tears or defects.

Does Gender Influence Outcome in Cartilage Repair Surgery? An Analysis of 4,968 Consecutive Patients from the German Cartilage Registry (Knorpel Register DGOU).

The goal was to examine gender differences of patient characteristics and outcome after cartilage repair based on a collective of nearly 5,000 patients. Patient characteristics, accompanying therapies, and outcome (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], reoperations, patient satisfaction) of 4,986 patients of the German cartilage register DGOU were assessed by t test for possible gender differences. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Women were older than men (38.07 ± 12.54 vs. 26.94 ± 12.394 years, P = 0.002), more often preoperated (0.30 ± 0.63 vs. 0.24 ± 0.55, P = 0.001), and had a longer symptom duration (25.22 ± 41.20 vs. 20.67 ± 35.32 months, P < 0.001). Men had greater mean leg axis malalignment than women (3.24° ± 3.26° vs. 2.67° ± 3.06°, P < 0.001), less favorable meniscal status (P = 0.001), worse defect stage (P = 0.006), and a more severely damaged corresponding articular surface (P = 0.042). At baseline (59.84 ± 17.49 vs. 52.10 ± 17.77, P < 0.001), after 6 months (72.83 ± 15.56 vs. 66.56 ± 17.66, P < 0.001), after 12 months (77.88 ± 15.95 vs. 73.07 ± 18.12, P < 0.001), and after 24 months (79.311 ± 15.94 vs. 74.39 ± 18.81, P < 0.001), men had better absolute KOOS values, but women had better relative KOOS increases 6 months (14.59 ± 17.31 vs. 12.49 ± 16.3, P = 0.005) as well as 12 months postoperatively (20.27 ± 18.6 vs. 17.34 ± 17.79, P = 0.001) compared with preoperatively, although 12 and 24 months postoperatively they were subjectively less satisfied with the outcome (P < 0.001) and had a higher reintervention rate at 24 months (0.17 ± 0.38 vs. 0.12 ± 0.33, P = 0.008). In summary, the present work shows specific gender differences in terms of patient characteristics, defect etiology, defect localization, concomitant therapy, and the choice of cartilage repair procedure. Unexpectedly, contrary to the established scientific opinion, it could be demonstrated that women show relatively better postoperative KOOS increases, despite a higher revision rate and higher subjective dissatisfaction.

[Current treatment standard for patella fractures in Germany]. / Aktueller Versorgungsstandard von Patellafrakturen in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patella fractures is technically demanding. Although the radiological results are mostly satisfactory, this often does not correspond to the subjective assessment of the patients. The classical treatment with tension band wiring with K­wires has several complications. Fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis seems to be biomechanically advantageous. OBJECTIVE: Who is treating patella fractures in Germany? What is the current standard of treatment? Have modern forms of osteosynthesis become established? What are the most important complications? MATERIAL AND METHODS: The members of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery and the German Knee Society were asked to participate in an online survey. RESULTS: A total of 511 completed questionnaires were evaluated. Most of the respondents are specialized in trauma surgery (51.5%), have many years of professional experience and work in trauma centers. Of the surgeons 50% treat ≤5 patella fractures annually. In almost 40% of the cases preoperative imaging is supplemented by computed tomography. The classical tension band wiring with K­wires is still the preferred form of osteosynthesis for all types of fractures (transverse fractures 52%, comminuted fractures 40%). In the case of comminuted fractures 30% of the surgeons choose fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis. If the inferior pole is involved a McLaughlin cerclage is used for additional protection in 60% of the cases. DISCUSSION: The standard of care for patella fractures in Germany largely corresponds to the updated S2e guidelines. Tension band wiring is still the treatment of choice. Further (long-term) clinical studies are needed to verify the advantages of fixed-angle plates.

Comparison of Clinical Outcome following Cartilage Repair for Patients with Underlying Varus Deformity with or without Additional High Tibial Osteotomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Study Based on the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU).

BACKGROUND: Even though realignment procedures have gained popularity as concomitant techniques in cartilage repair approaches with underlying malalignment, the clinical efficacy has not been proven to full extent. METHODS: Out of 5474 patients from the German Cartilage Registry, 788 patients with focal cartilage defects on the medial femoral condyle having received either no accompanying surgery or high tibial osteotomy (HTO) were identified. After a 1:1 propensity score matching, outcome of 440 patients was evaluated using KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), VAS (visual analogue scale), and satisfaction during the 3-year follow-up. RESULTS: Patients having received a concomitant HTO had significantly higher postoperative KOOS values (12 months: 67.26 ± 15.69 vs.75.10 ± 16.12, P = 0.001; 24 months: 67.14 ± 23.85 vs. 77.11 ± 16.50, P = 0.010; 36 months: 74.40 ± 16.57 vs. 81.75 ± 14.22, P = 0.023) and lower pain levels (6 months: 3.43 ± 2.18 vs. 2.89 ± 2.15, P = 0.009; 12 months: 3.64 ± 2.20 vs. 2.17 ± 1.96, P < 0.001; 24 months: 4.20 ± 3.12 vs. 2.94 ± 2.45, P = 0.005; 36 months: 3.20 ± 2.18 vs. 2.02 ± 1.98, P = 0.003). One and 3 years postoperatively, concomitant HTO led to significantly higher satisfaction in patients. These advantages of accompanying HTO were also seen in the group of patients with a varus deformity of 5° or more, in which pain levels without concomitant HTO even increased during the 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study underline the importance and safety of concomitant HTO in patients with cartilage defects and varus deformity. HTO should therefore be considered and recommended generously in patients with focal cartilage defects of the medial femoral condyle and varus deformity.