Recently, many facilities perform open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) using artificial bone as a gap filler. However, there are many cases in which artificial bone is used without a clear purpose. We recommend a surgical technique to promote early synostosis between artificial bone and recipient bone due to mechanical support especially in the early stage after OWHTO. At our hospital, beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) with 60% porosity is used in OWHTO. Initially, a wedge-shaped block-type β-TCP, as large as possible, was inserted into the gap. However, from the standpoint of initial mechanical support, we changed the artificial bone size and created intentional holes. Furthermore, we removed air bubbles from β-TCP. We evaluated the synostosis on the basis of clinical results and diagnostic imaging. As a result of creating holes and removing air from the artificial bone, a trend toward faster synostosis was noted, especially at the early stage. No adverse events such as tibial plateau fracture, lateral cortical fracture, plate and screw failure and correction loss due to reducing the size of the artificial bone occurred, but placement of the artificial bone in contact with cortical bone and surface contact installation with the recipient bone tissue was important. When using artificial bone in OWHTO, holes formation and removal of air from the artificial bone are recommended for faster synostosis between artificial bone and recipient bone in the early stage after surgery. Artificial bone should be used, with attention to its positioning and shape, for efficient mechanical support.
Keywords: Air removal; Artificial bone; Beta-tricalcium phosphate; Bone formation; Hole formation; Open wedge osteotomy.