Following a high tibial osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis, the postoperative mechanical axis is targeted to cross the tibial plateau at approximately what percentage of the plateau width, measured from the medial edge?
- A 35 percent
- B 50 percent
- C 62 percent ✓
- D 80 percent
Correct answer: C. 62 percent
Explanation
The Fujisawa point lies at about 62 to 66 percent of the tibial plateau width from the medial edge, and modern practice targets the mechanical axis slightly lateral to the tibial spines at this zone. Overcorrection beyond this point unloads the medial compartment adequately but risks lateral overload and valgus instability, while undercorrection leaves the medial compartment loaded and predicts early failure of the osteotomy.
Reference: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.