Technique for Biplanar Lateral Opening Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy in the Valgus Knee

Abstract

Valgus malalignment can be corrected with a biplanar lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy (bLOWDFO) in patients with symptomatic lateral compartment disease. Advantages of a lateral opening wedge technique over the medial closing wedge technique include avoidance of vascular structures and theoretically better control of the amount of correction. The advantages of a bLOWDFO over a uniplanar osteotomy are that it creates a larger surface area for healing, and provides inherent stability to control the osteotomy intraoperatively. The purpose of this article is to present a reproducible technique for bLOWDFO and review the indications, preoperative planning, rationale, and clinical outcomes.