The weight-bearing scanogram technique provides better coronal limb alignment than the navigation technique in open high tibial osteotomy

Background Successful outcomes following high tibial osteotomy (HTO) require precise realignment of the mechanical axis of the lower extremity. The present study investigated whether the weight-bearing limb scanogram (WBS) technique provided a more accurate mechanical axis realignment than the navigation technique in open high tibial osteotomy (OHTO). Methods This prospective study involved 80 knees (78 patients) undergoing OHTO. The WBS technique was used in 40 knees and the navigation technique in 40 knees. Each technique was performed by a different surgeon in a different hospital. Postoperative coronal limb alignment was assessed using the weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio on full-length standing hip-to-ankle radiographs. Results We found that the mean postoperative WBL ratio was greater in the WBS compared to the navigation group ( p =0.001), and hence the ratio for the WBS group was closer to the ratio target of 62%. There was a greater proportion of WBL ratio outliers in the navigation group than the WBS group (25% vs. 10%, p =0.034). Conclusion We conclude that the WBS technique was more accurate than the navigation technique for restoration of coronal leg alignment in OHTO. Level of Evidence Level II.