Forty-eight knees were evaluated after proximal tibial osteotomy,
performed for varus deformity to determine the desired amount of correction
of the deformity, the effect of osteotomy on knee motion during gait and
one medial-plateau force during standing, and the relationships between
these factors and the result. Correction of the tibiofemoral angle to 5
degrees of genu valgum or more produced the best and most lasting results.
Stance-phase flexion-extension increased the rotation decreased in knees
with good results while the other gait parameters were not significantly
changed. Medial-plateau force was decreased by successful tibial osteotomy.
The knees with the best and most lasting results had 7 degrees of
stance-phase flexion-extension or more during walking and either a valgus
tibiofemoral angle of 5 degrees or more or a medial-plateau force of 50 per
cent of body weight or less.