Realigning Your Knee for Pain Relief and Better Mobility

Knee osteotomy is an advanced surgical procedure designed to realign the knee joint, reduce pain, and improve function. This technique is particularly effective for patients with localized damage to one side of the knee cartilage, offering relief by redistributing weight to the healthier, unaffected side. Knee osteotomy is an excellent option for individuals who want to delay knee replacement surgery, especially those who are younger, active, and eager to maintain their sporting lifestyle.

Who Can Benefit from Knee Osteotomy?

Knee osteotomy is ideal for:

• Patients with arthritis localized to one side of the knee.
• Younger individuals seeking to preserve their natural knee joint and delay knee replacement.
• Active individuals who wish to continue participating in sports and high-impact activities.
• Patients with mild bow-legged or knock-knee deformities contributing to uneven weight distribution.

Benefits of Knee Osteotomy

1. Pain Relief Without Knee Replacement:

• The procedure preserves the natural knee joint, avoiding the need for a prosthetic joint.
  
  2. Improved Mobility and Function:
• Offers a greater range of movement compared to knee replacement surgery.
  
  3. Quick Recovery:
• Patients are mobile immediately after surgery, with a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks.
• Many return to work within 6 weeks, barring physically demanding roles.
  
  4. Delays Knee Replacement:
• Can postpone the need for a knee replacement by 8-10 years or more.
• Does not eliminate the option of future knee replacement if arthritis progresses.
  
  5. Enhanced Stability:
• Patients often report feeling that their knee no longer “gives way.”

The Procedure: How Does Knee Osteotomy Work?

Knee osteotomy involves precise surgical techniques to correct knee alignment:

1. Controlled Bone Cuts:

• A carefully planned incision is made in the bone, typically below the knee, to correct alignment.
• This correction shifts the weight-bearing load away from the arthritic area.
  
  2. Fixation:
• The bone is stabilized with lightweight plates and screws to ensure proper healing.
  
  3. Combined Techniques (If Needed):
• Osteotomy can be paired with cartilage regeneration techniques or ligament reconstruction for enhanced outcomes.

The surgery reduces stress on the damaged part of the knee, slowing the progression of arthritis and preserving the joint for years to come.

Rehabilitation: Supporting Your Recovery

Recovery from knee osteotomy is structured to facilitate early mobility and a return to daily activities:

1. Immediate Post-Surgery:

• Early weight-bearing and gentle knee mobilization are encouraged while using crutches for support.
• Most patients are discharged the same day or the day after surgery.
  
  2. Physiotherapy:
• A supervised rehabilitation program is tailored to your specific needs, focusing on strength, flexibility, and stability.
  
  3. Gradual Progression:
• Crutches are typically used outdoors for 6-12 weeks but may be discarded indoors within a few weeks as you regain strength and balance.
• Regular X-rays monitor bone healing, and full weight-bearing activities are resumed once the osteotomy has healed.
  
  4. Return to Activity:
• Patients can return to most activities, including sports, once the knee is fully healed and approved by the surgeon.

Why Choose Knee Osteotomy?

• Preservation of Natural Knee Joint:Maintains your joint’s natural structure and function.
• Long-Term Solution:Postpones the need for knee replacement, making it ideal for younger patients.
• Versatility:Can be combined with other procedures for comprehensive joint care.

Risks and Considerations

While the risks associated with knee osteotomy are similar to those of knee replacement, the advantages for younger, active patients often outweigh the potential challenges. Your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your condition and discuss all aspects of the procedure to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Experience Expert Knee Care

Our orthopedic surgeon specializes in state-of-the-art knee osteotomy techniques, offering patients the highest level of care and expertise. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or a solution to delay knee replacement, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.