The role of the high tibial osteotomy in the unstable knee.

High tibial osteotomy is an accepted treatment option for knee arthrosis in association with coronal malalignment. However, the effect of this procedure on the sagittal balance of the knee has until recently been largely ignored. Basic science research over the past several years and some small clinical series have introduced a "novel" concept whereby the sagittal balance of a ligament deficient knee can be restored to some degree by altering the posterior tibial slope. This review summarizes the available evidence supporting the role of selective high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of both the acute and chronic ligament deficient knee.