Reasons for refusing high tibial osteotomy and the impact of virtual reality-based patient education: a prospective single-centre study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a well established joint preserving surgical option for young and active patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis. Although clinically effective, the use of this technique remains suboptimal due to a high rate of patient refusal. Understanding the underlying reasons for this reluctance is crucial, as modifiable psychological and informational barriers may be preventing patients from accessing a potentially life-changing procedure.

Methods

This prospective, single-centre study included 235 of 330 patients screened for HTO between January 2020 and December 2024. The study was conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, semi-structured interviews were performed with 125 patients who declined surgery, and thematic analysis was conducte

SUBMITTER: Ozdemir E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12257735 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature