What do "half-width" and "full-width" mean in tibial surgery?
I need tibial surgery due to a leg injury, and my doctor mentioned both half-width and full-width surgical approaches. I'm not entirely clear on these concepts and am currently worried about the surgical outcome and recovery. I would like to know specifically what differences exist between the half-width and full-width tibial surgical approaches.
Doctor's answer (1)
In tibial surgery, "half-width" and "full-width" typically refer to the extent of osteotomy performed on the tibia during high tibial osteotomy or other types of corrective procedures.
1. Half-width osteotomy: During high tibial osteotomy, only half the width of the tibia is cut, usually either the lateral or medial portion. This procedure can alter the load distribution of the lower limb, adjusting it to a more reasonable alignment. When unilateral wear occurs in the knee joint, this method can effectively reduce the stress on the affected side of the knee joint, thus alleviating symptoms.
Moreover, since only half the width of the tibia is cut, partial continuity of the bone is preserved. This continuity is very important for enhancing postoperative stability and may reduce the risk of complications to some extent. It is suitable for patients with mild, unilateral knee joint wear.
2. Full-width osteotomy: This involves comprehensive adjustment of the tibial plateau width and usually is performed when the damage is more severe. Therefore, the surgical difficulty is significantly increased, as the entire width of the tibia is cut, making the procedure technically more challenging. Additionally, more postoperative complications may occur.
Full-width osteotomy generally is suitable for patients requiring more extensive correction of the mechanical axis.
