The American journal of knee surgery
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This biomechanical study evaluated the static response of a new opening-wedge osteotomy plate to compression and torsion loads in a human cadaver model. This plate incorporates a metal block that distracts the medial tibial cortices to ensure precise correction and prevent bone collapse. The 15-mm plate was inserted into 23 fresh cadaver specimens using a standard surgical technique. ⋯ This opening-wedge osteotomy plate construct appears marginally strong enough to withstand the estimated axial load on the proximal tibia during gait. Estimated torsional load on the knee during level walking slightly exceeds the failure load prior to osteotomy healing. This information can be used to guide further experimental protocols for static and dynamic testing of this device to determine the appropriate rehabilitation guidelines following opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy.