Knee Osteotomy
What is a Knee Osteotomy?
A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping the bones around the knee joint to change the alignment and distribution of weight-bearing forces. This procedure is often performed to relieve pain and improve function in individuals with certain types of knee arthritis or deformities.
The goal of a knee osteotomy is to shift the weight-bearing load away from the damaged or affected part of the knee joint to a healthier part. This can help reduce pain and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Knee osteotomies are typically considered in cases where the damage is localised to one side of the knee, and the other side of the knee is relatively healthy.
What happens during the procedure?
Prior to the procedure, scans will be analysed to work out exactly what degree of adjustment is required (Digital Templating). This will determine the measurements of the opening or closing wedge.
This surgery can be performed under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic. A spinal anaesthetic will numb you from the waist down, but you will remain awake. A sedative can be given to relax you.
Your surgeon will make an incision over the area of bone to be reshaped, either the thigh bone or, most commonly, the shin bone.
Depending on whether you need an opening or closing wedge, your surgeon will either cut a wedge into the bone so it can be pulled slight apart to open a gap. The wedge is measured and fixed in place with a plate and pins. This is an ‘opening wedge’ osteotomy. Alternatively, the bone is cut to remove a wedge. The cut edges of the bone are brought together and held in place with a plate and pins. This is a ‘closing wedge’ Osteotomy.
The advantages of Knee Osteotomy Surgery
Preservation
The existing knee joint will be preserved
Range of Movement
Patients tend to report a higher range of movement compared to a total knee replacement
Faster Recovery Times
There are no restrictions on activity after an Osteotomy however this can often be the case following a full Knee Replacement.
Mobility Satisfaction
The main reason for surgery is to alleviate pain in daily life but most patients can do much more than walk without pain following an Osteotomy.
Succession Rates
The results of Modern Knee Osteotomy Surgery suggest that at least 90% of patients are still thriving 10-15 years after surgery.
Increased Options
If patients do get pain again in the future from osteoarthritis progressing there is still the option of a knee replacement available.
How long will it take to recover and what results can I expect?
- Patients will be able go home the day after surgery
- You will be able to bear weight and move your knee straight away because the joint itself isn’t affected by surgery.
- A Physiotherapist will assess your mobility before you leave the hospital, and work with you to devise an exercise plan to get you back to your normal level of activity.
- Full range of movement is encouraged as soon as possible.
- You can take pain relief medication as required for the days after surgery, but please avoid anti-inflammatories.
- You will only have light surgical dressing, no brace will be required, but you will need crutches for 4 – 6 weeks.
- Everyone is different so your consultant will advise you at a follow up appointment when you will be ready to return to normal activities. As a guide, patients will usually be able to return to driving and work after 6 weeks (you may need longer if you have a manual job) and will have made a full recovery after 6 months.
Consultants offering service:
Book your consultation
Contact us on 01707 443 333, or make an online enquiry.
Testimonials
I was given Mr Chatoo’s name as a surgeon to contact regarding deteriorating knee problems I was suffering from. To put it in context it was as a result of an old sports injury that over the years had progressed to the point where it was impacting on relatively normal activities, even going for a short walk with my wife resulted in significant discomfort.
After my initial consultation with Mr Chatoo and some imaging of my knees and then further discussion I elected to have a double osteotomy procedure carried out. I am now 12 months down the line and I can truly say that the surgery has had a transformational and positive effect on me and my families quality of life. The whole process from the initial consultation to the post op follow ups and physio were all very well organised and I always felt that I was in safe and professional hands.
Being told at age 51 that I had grade 4 osteoarthritis in my right knee and early osteoarthritis in my left knee was crushing, especially for someone working in catering who led an active life. My first surgery under Mr Chatoo in 2019 was a double osteotomy on my right leg which was very successful and which allowed me to eventually start taking the dog on long walks again and get back into the kitchen. Prior to the surgery I was on crutches the majority of the time and was unwillingly to go out in case my knee gave way.
In April 2022 I had my second surgery, a single osteotomy this time, on my left knee. This again was a complete success and my life is pretty much pain free now and back where it was before the arthritis reared it’s head.
For anyone who is in the position of having to decide whether to have an osteotomy, I would certainly recommend electing for the procedure. It’s made such a difference to my life. I would also whole heartedly recommend Mr Chatoo. From my first appointment through to being discharged I knew exactly what was going on at all times and felt I was in safe, experienced hands.
I had my ultrasound and cortisone injection 11/01/23 and was advised to contact Mr Chatoo 6 weeks later
22/02/23 if there was a problem.
I must admit I was a bit sceptical of the supposed results. I started playing golf before that date and as of
today have carried out six 18 hole rounds walking and sometimes carrying without any problems.
It’s been 2 years 5 months since the original OP and this is to thank you both very much.
Please convey my sincere thanks to Mr Thakrar
I will be 80 in six weeks and life has just re-begun, but I won’t be skiing.
You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Knee Osteotomy treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Ashford Hospital
Why One Ashford Hospital
- Access to leading Consultants within 48 hours*
- Spread the cost with finance**
- Competitive fixed-price packages
- Modern purpose-built hospital
- Private, spacious, ensuite rooms
- Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
- Little waiting time for surgery
- Calm, dignified experience
*Dependent on Consultant availability
**Terms and conditions apply
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