Factors influencing the period of walking independence after high tibial osteotomy

Abstract

 Surgical treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee include total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO). We have often encountered cases where time to independent walking after HTO is delayed as compared with that after TKA. Therefore, we conducted a multiple regression analysis to investigate whether the time to independent walking with two crutches, a cane, or without a cane after HTO was influenced by any factors, such as the age, BMI, knee extension muscle strength, and pain. The results showed a correlation only between pain and the time to independent walking with a cane. This suggests that intervention for pain management is necessary for independent walking with a cane.