Understanding Knee Osteotomy
A knee osteotomy is a type of knee surgery that many people in the UK haven’t come across, although it’s commonly performed in Europe and the Far East. It’s an operation designed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the knee — while keeping your own natural knee joint intact.
How is it different from a knee replacement?
Most people have heard of a knee replacement. In that operation, the worn-out knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of metal and plastic. It’s very effective at easing arthritis pain, but the new knee doesn’t feel quite the same as a natural one, and some movements or activities may feel restricted afterwards. For older, less active patients this often isn’t an issue — but younger, more active people tend to be less satisfied with how the knee feels and performs.
A knee osteotomy works differently. Because your own knee joint is preserved, movement and function tend to feel much more natural. This makes it a particularly good option for younger patients with knee arthritis.
How does it work?
Arthritis in the knee usually wears out just one side of the joint, rather than the whole thing. An osteotomy involves carefully reshaping the bone to realign the leg, which shifts your body weight away from the worn, painful side of the knee and onto the healthier side. With the pressure taken off the arthritic area, the pain settles.
What to expect from surgery and recovery
- Hospital stay: Usually just one night.
- No cast or brace: You’ll be encouraged to start moving the knee straight away.
- Crutches: Needed for the first 6 weeks while the bone heals.
- Long-term activity: Once fully recovered, many patients return to higher-impact activities such as running, jumping, and deep knee bending — things that are often difficult after a knee replacement.
What if the arthritis gets worse later on?
One of the reassuring things about an osteotomy is that it doesn’t “use up” your options. If arthritis progresses in the future and the knee becomes painful again, a knee replacement can still be carried out.
Benefits of a Knee Osteotomy
- Good pain relief
- Keeps your own natural knee joint
- Better knee movement and flexibility
- Allows you to stay active
- A knee replacement is still possible later if needed
Expert Care, Close to Home
Knee osteotomy is a specialist operation, and it’s important to be looked after by a team who perform it regularly and have a strong track record with this type of surgery.
The Knee Osteotomy unit at One Hatfield Hospital is run by Mr Minhal Chatoo and Mr Raj Thakrar, both highly experienced knee surgeons with a particular interest in joint-preserving surgery for younger and active patients. You can be confident that you are in the hands of a team who specialise in this area and perform knee osteotomies routinely as part of their day-to-day practice.
Patient Case Study
Tony had a Knee Osteotomy under the care of Mr Thakrar and Mr Chatoo in 2023 and this is his story:
One Ashford
One Hatfield