Aims:Short-term results of lateral closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWO) is satisfactory in 80–90% of patients but the results of CWO shows steady decline over time. We evaluated results of osteotomies to determine survivorship and to identify risk factors associated with survival of the osteotomies.

Methods:Between 01.01.1986. and 31.12.1991. 113 patients have undergone CWO. We could evaluated 54 patients (31 men and 23 women) with 58 operations. The average age at operation was 57.6 (31–69) years and the mean follow-up was 12.2 (10–15) years.

The probability of failure was estimated as a function of time, with use of the Life-table survivorship method.

The linear correlation, uni and multivariate Stepwise regression method were used for statistical analysis. Results:Using the Life-table survivorship estimate of failure, the probability of survival for CWO was 91.3% at 5 years and 72.5% at 10 years.

An age, preoperative varus deformity and range of movement have not inßuenced long term survivorship (linear correlation).

Uni and multivariate Stepwise regression showed, that overweight, grade III chondromalacia in medial compartment, previous menisectomy and insufþcient valgus correction (FTA< 170¡) were signiþcantly associated with early failure.

Conclusions:Analysis of risk factors suggests that careful patient selection can improve long term survivorship of CWO.

Aims: Metatarsus osteotomies usually require an internal metal þxation in order to achieve the required stability. Taking the metal out means an operation. This is unpleasant for the patients by all means. Absorbing screws are rather expensive. The authors used an absorbing polydioxanone thread in case of osteotomies. Methods: þxation by absorbing thread has been used in three types of operations: A: chevron osteotomia Hallux valgus/metatarsus primus varus/, B: Weil osteotomia II-III-IV metatarsalgias, C: Assimetricus ÔVñ osteotomia II III-IV metatarsalgias. In all the cases mentioned above a polydioxanone thread has been used. Altogether 62 operations have been carried out, 27 in case of A, 19 in case of B, and 16 in case of C. The patients received full burden 2 weeks after the operation, just like in case of þxation with a metal screw. Follow-up examination was done 1, 3 and 6 months after the operation. Rtg examination was done immediately in postoperative time and following a 3-month interval. Results: during follow-up examination no symptoms revealing the tear of thread have been observed. In the measures of the consolidation of bones no difference between the two methods has been revealed. Conclusions: þxation by absorbing thread is a perfect alternative of that by metal screws. The patients have a positive opinion about not having to undergo another operation. This method does not make the operation more expensive.