What is Knee Osteotomy?
Knee osteotomy is a surgery that helps fix knee problems and reduce pain. It involves cutting and reshaping the bones around the knee to improve alignment and help the joint work better. This procedure is often used for people with arthritis or other knee issues.
Why Do People Have Knee Osteotomy?
Knee osteotomy is usually recommended for:
- Osteoarthritis: This condition occurs when the cartilage in the knee wears down, leading to pain and difficulty moving.
- Knee Deformities: Issues like bowlegs (where the knees are far apart) or knock knees (where the knees touch) can cause uneven wear on the knee joint.
- Younger Patients: Those who aren’t yet ready for knee replacement surgery may benefit from this surgery.
Types of Knee Osteotomy
There are two main types of knee osteotomy:
- Varus Osteotomy: This surgery corrects bow-leggedness by removing a wedge of bone from the inner part of the knee.
- Valgus Osteotomy: This surgery corrects knock knees by removing a wedge of bone from the outer part of the knee.
How is the Procedure Done?
Here’s what generally happens during a knee osteotomy:
- Anesthesia: You will receive medication to ensure you don’t feel pain during the surgery.
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small cut near your knee to access the bones.
- Bone Reshaping: The surgeon cuts the bone and repositions it to improve how the knee aligns.
- Fixation: Metal plates or screws may be used to keep the bones in their new position.
- Closure: The incision is closed with stitches, and a bandage is applied.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovering from knee osteotomy can take time, and here’s what to expect:
- Hospital Stay: Most people stay in the hospital for one to two days after surgery.
- Weight-Bearing: You may need crutches or a walker at first, slowly increasing the weight on your knee as your doctor advises.
- Physical Therapy: You will start a rehab program soon after surgery to help regain strength and movement in your knee. This often continues for several months.
- Pain Management: You might experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with medications your doctor gives you.
Benefits of Knee Osteotomy
Knee osteotomy can offer several benefits:
- Pain Relief: Many people feel significant relief from knee pain after surgery.
- Improved Function: Better movement can lead to a higher quality of life.
- Delay or Avoid Knee Replacement: This procedure can postpone the need for more invasive surgery.
Knee osteotomy is a useful option for those dealing with knee pain from arthritis or deformities. At Dr. Nalwadi Spine and Knee Clinic, we are here to support you throughout your treatment. If you have questions about knee osteotomy or want to explore your options, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
We’re committed to helping you find relief and improve your mobility!
