Knee Osteotomy

Posted On: 06-24-2015

What is Knee Osteotomy?

During knee osteotomy, a wedge of bone is removed from the femur or tibia. This is performed in order to shift force on the knee away from a damaged or diseased side to the healthy side.

Also Known As:

Knee surgery

Conditions Treated with Knee Osteotomy:

Knee osteotomy may be performed in cases of knee pain, knee injury, reduced mobility and arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the knee. It may also be utilized in patients who are bow-legged or knock-kneed.

Non-Surgical or Other Surgical Alternatives to Knee Osteotomy:

Non-surgical alternatives to knee osteotomy include strength training, physical therapy, pain medicine, anti-inflammatory steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, weight loss and the use of a soft knee brace or walking aid. Total or partial knee replacement are surgical alternatives to the procedure.

Anesthesia with Knee Osteotomy:

Knee osteotomy may be performed with epidural anesthesia. It can also be performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.

Potential Complications from Knee Osteotomy:

Possible risks following knee osteotomy include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible for there to be little to no improvement in knee mobility or to eventually need a knee replacement.

Prognosis after Knee Osteotomy:

The prognosis for a positive end result following knee osteotomy is good. However, most patients need a knee replacement in the future.

Recovery from Knee Osteotomy:

Total recovery from knee osteotomy takes six to eight weeks.