In-hospital grouping rehabilitation of hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy results in shorter hospital stays and better clinical outcomes

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the impact of physiotherapy on various patients who underwent hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy. [Participants and Methods] Eighty-four patients were divided into three groups: non-weight-bearing, enhanced recovery after surgery, and grouping exercise. The number of hospital days, distinctions in the duration of cane-walking independence, and postoperative complications were compared among the three groups. Furthermore, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and physical function were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. [Results] There were no considerable differences in postoperative complications among the three groups, and the mean hospital stay was the shortest for the grouping exercise group. At 3 months postoperatively, the grouping exercise group reported less walking pain than the enhanced recovery after surgery group. At 3 and 12 months postoperatively, the grouping exercise group showed greater mean knee extensor strength and a higher mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score than the non-weight-bearing group. [Conclusion] Grouping exercise therapy, in addition to enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, results in shorter hospital stays, no difference in postoperative complications, and good clinical outcomes.