2021 Annual Meeting Knee Access Pass-Case Panel: My Worst Complications-Alaia

Case Panel: My Worst Complications-Alaia

Video Transcription

Video Summary

A 55-year-old active man with medial knee arthritis underwent a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) after failing conservative treatments. Initially successful, he later developed a lateral tibial fracture with varus deformity, requiring revision surgery with bone graft and plating. Postoperative infection ensued, leading to repeated washouts and eventual removal of hardware, resulting in significant bone loss. The team planned a Masquelet procedure—using antibiotic cement to control infection—to later reconstruct bone with grafting and likely muscle flap coverage. The case highlights HTO risks, stressing cautious patient selection and awareness that even well-indicated surgeries can have severe complications.

Asset Caption

Dr. Michael Alaia

Keywords

high tibial osteotomy

medial knee arthritis

lateral tibial fracture

Masquelet procedure

postoperative infection