ABSTRACT

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate neurologic complications of closed wedge valgization osteotomy technique using electrophysiological methods.

Methods:

Eleven extremities of 11 patients (mean age 52.75±5.39) with medial gonarthrosis and varus deformity were included. All patients underwent closed wedge valgization osteotomy in order to correct varus deformity.

Results:

The post-operative amplitude of nervus peroneus superficialis significantly decreased when compared to pre-operative amplitude. The mean pre-operative N. peroneus superficialis amplitude was 12.77, whereas it reduced to 5.44 postoperatively (p<0.05). Other nerve conduction velocity investigations showed no significant differences between pre- and post-operative values. A Needle Electromyography (EMG) study demonstrated neurogenic involvement in 4 patients after surgery. All of these 4 patients had denervation in the m.extensor hallucis longus needle EMG study. In 2 patients, the musculus tibialis anterior needle EMG study showed neurogenic involvement. One of these had denervation. One patient showed denervation in the m.extensor digitorum brevis needle EMG study.

Conclusion:

Although fibula osteotomy used in the closed wedge osteotomy technique was applied from the safe zone, electrophysiological investigations suggested that this zone may, in fact, not be safe. (JAREM 2014; 1: 12-7)