Osteotomy is a viable alternative to knee replacement for patients with knee arthritis. Discover the procedure, top surgeons, and clinics for osteotomy.
Osteotomy: Key Information
What Is Osteotomy?
Osteotomy means "cutting bone". In knee osteotomy, bones near the knee are cut and reshaped to relieve pressure on the damaged area.
It can delay or prevent knee replacement in younger individuals with joint issues.
When Is It Performed?
Osteotomies are performed to correct knee malalignment, which can lead to unicompartmental arthritis or worsen arthritic symptoms.
Knee Bones Rubbing Due to Knee Arthritis
Types of Knee Osteotomy
On the basis of location, knee osteotomy mainly has two types.
- HTO is performed on the upper shinbone or tibia.
- It is commonly used to treat knee arthritis.
- DFO is done on the femur.
- It usually treats genu valgum (knock knees), which can lead to malalignment and arthritis.
Procedure: Knee Osteotomy
Knee osteotomy is mostly done on the upper shinbone, sometimes on the lower thighbone.
Bone wedge size (the amount of bone to be removed or added) is planned before surgery with X-rays & 3D models.
Here’s the procedure overview of knee osteotomy:
- Anesthesia: Regional or general anesthesia is administered.
- Preparation: The area is sterilized with an antibacterial solution.
- Realignment: The bone is cut and realigned.
- Wedge Placement/Removal: A bone wedge is placed or removed from the shinbone to realign the leg.
- Securing the Bone: The wedge is secured with plates and screws to maintain the alignment.
- Follow-up: The surgeon follows up to ensure proper healing of the new bone alignment.
Thighbone osteotomy also follows a similar method.
Surgeons Operating on Knee
Recovery
- Discharge: Patients leave 1–2 days after the procedure.
- Pain Relief: Pain is managed with prescribed medication.
- Support: Crutches and a knee brace or cast are used for a few weeks to ensure proper healing of the newly aligned knees.
Rebuild your knees with osteotomy
Advantages of Knee Osteotomy
- Pain Relief: Relieves pain which restores knee function, and prevents worsening arthritis.
- Knee Replacement: Delays or avoids the need for total knee replacement.
- Full mobility: No restrictions after full recovery.
Multiple alternatives to knee replacement can be considered for addressing knee problems.
Digitally Guided Knee Surgery
Did you know?
For younger patients, knee osteotomy can be a more cost-effective alternative to total knee replacement.[1]
Best Clinic for Osteotomy
Here are the details of the top clinic for osteotomy surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.
WESO’s expert orthopedic and traumatology team offers personalized care for musculoskeletal conditions.
Using advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology, they provide tailored treatments focused on restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
- Provide PRP therapy
- Provide Stem cell therapy options
Top Surgeon for Osteotomy
Dr. Edgar Reyes Padilla
9+ Yrs of exp
MD
Expertise
Orthopedics and Traumatology
Education
- Dr. Victorio de la Fuente Narváez Orthopedic and Traumatology Institute, Mexico City, Mexico.
Speak to experts about your knee pain
FAQs
Is osteotomy painful?
The surgery itself is pain-free since it is performed under anesthesia. You can expect mild post-surgery pains for 4-5 weeks for which doctors usually prescribe medications.
For how long is knee osteotomy effective?
Knee osteotomy is effective for around 10 years, and patients can undergo the surgery again after that. Once corrected, re-surgery is unlikely unless there's a problem or the patient needs a knee replacement.
Conclusion
Osteotomy offers lasting relief from knee pain and restores normal knee function.
