Complications of osteotomies around the knee

ABSTRACT: Osteotomies around the knee-including distal femoral osteotomies, high tibial osteotomies, and tibial tubercle osteotomies-are technically demanding procedures that are generally safe, with relatively low overall complication rates. However, complications do occur and can pose significant challenges, with substantial implications for patient outcomes. Awareness of potential complications and meticulous surgical technique are, therefore, essential to minimizing risk. This review highlights the most clinically relevant complications unique to knee osteotomies. These include vascular injury, hinge and shingle fractures, delayed union or nonunion, femur and tibia fractures, and infection. For each complication, contributing patient and surgical factors are examined, along with an emphasis on strategies for prevention and proposed treatment management algorithms. By combining preventive strategies with structured management guidance, this review aims to serve as a practical reference for optimizing outcomes and reducing the morbidity associated with knee osteotomies.