Overview

A knee can be injured due to any form of arthritis or external injury. It hampers the functioning of the knee, leading to extreme pain and restricted movement. A Knee Osteotomy helps to eliminate such pain and allows the patient to move the knee comfortably without any hassle.

Knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and realigning the bones around the knee joint. This procedure aims to shift the weight-bearing forces to a healthier part of the knee, thus relieving pain and improving joint function. Knee osteotomy is often considered for younger, active individuals with early-stage knee arthritis or deformities, where a partial knee replacement or total knee replacement is not yet required. By altering the knee joint's alignment, knee osteotomy aims to delay the need for more extensive joint replacement surgery.

Post surgery, the affected individual can walk and move properly. The surgical procedure is usually performed when the patient is suffering from the first stage of osteoarthritis and has started suffering from the initial stages of the disorder. The process helps in healthy weight management by the knee and also improves the functioning of the part of the body.

Who needs a Knee Osteotomy?

- Partial Knee Pain- Damage to the collateral ligaments of the knee or a tear to the knee meniscus can cause partial pain in the knee. Such issues can be resolved with the help of a surgical procedure. The surgery helps smooth movement between the leg and the knee bone for painless movement. The patient can walk freely after the surgery.
- Malalignment or deformity- Knee osteotomy is considered for individuals with certain knee deformities or malalignments that can be corrected by realigning the bones.
- No Pain under the Kneecap- It can be termed as one of the conditions for surgery. People who have less or no pain under the kneecap are eligible for the surgical procedure. The procedure helps balance the weight and allows the individual to move the affected knee quickly.
- Younger age- Knee osteotomy is more suitable for younger, active individuals who are not yet candidates for a partial or total knee replacement.
- Early-stage knee arthritis- It is beneficial for individuals with early-stage arthritis affecting only one side of the knee joint, where the damage is localised to a specific area.
- Pain during Knee Movement- People who suffer from knee pain after performing activities such as standing for longer hours, walking, and running also benefit from the surgery. Surgery is the last option when non-surgical methods such as medications and therapies cannot lower knee pain.

How is Knee Osteotomy performed?

The surgery is performed by giving anaesthesia to the patient, like every standard surgical procedure. The procedure can be achieved by following the opening or closing wedge methods. The opening wedge method involves opening up a section of the bone and placing a graft within to occupy the space. The graft is fit inside with the help of screws.

During the closing wedge method, a wedge of the bone from the leg is cut, and the opening side of the bone is joined together. Depending upon the patient's vital stats, a patient may be discharged from the hospital on the same day or 2 to 3 days after the surgery.

Risks and Complications of Knee Osteotomy

Mentioned below are some of the possible risks and complications that can be observed in a knee osteotomy:

- Blood Clots- Blood clot is one of the significant risk factors of any surgical procedure. If the condition is not treated correctly, the clot may break off from its original position and travel towards the lungs, heart, or brain in severe conditions. A doctor may perform a surgical procedure to reduce damage if the situation worsens.
- Infection- Infection is another damaging factor that can occur after a surgical procedure. An infection at the surgical stitches or the operation site can damage the healing procedure. To avoid such situations, a doctor may prescribe medicines to cease the bacterial attack or may also need to perform surgery to lower the deteriorating condition.
- Blood Vessel Injury- An individual may also suffer from a blood vessel or nerve damage during surgery. The nerves surrounding the surgical area may be damaged due to the instruments used for the surgery. Utmost care is taken during the medical procedure.
- Slow Healing- Low-paced healing after the surgery is also one of the complications observed after knee surgery. The patient may suffer from constant pain and may also suffer from restricted knee movement. If such indications grow extreme, approaching a doctor is advisable.

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

- Medications- Pain after the surgery is a common health sign. A doctor may prescribe NSAIDs, opioids, or other painkillers to reduce pain and manage the health condition to perform routine functions seamlessly.
- Protective Cast- The surgeon may put a cast over the operated leg to allow the bones to heal correctly without any disturbances. The cast helps keep the leg's position intact and does not allow unnecessary movement of the portion.
- Follow-Ups- Follow-ups with the surgeon are also necessary after the surgery. It helps to keep track of the progress after the medical procedure. The improvement is tracked with the help of X-rays.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Knee Osteotomy helps to heal knee pain and allows a patient to move the knee quickly without any restrictions. The surgery is helpful for people under the age bracket of 60 and people with a thin physique.

FAQs

Q. What is Knee Osteotomy? A. Knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and realigning the bones around the knee joint. This procedure aims to shift the weight-bearing forces to a healthier part of the knee, thus relieving pain and improving joint function.

Q. When is a Knee Osteotomy performed? A. The surgery is helpful for people suffering from extreme knee pain on one side of the knee and patients who experience severe pain during any leg movement.

Q. Can younger individuals go for knee osteotomy? A. Younger individuals with early-stage knee arthritis or malalignment and who still have stable knee joints may be candidates for knee osteotomy.

Q. What is the recovery time after knee osteotomy? A. Recovery varies, but patients typically need several weeks to months of rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Q. What are the benefits of knee osteotomy? A. Knee osteotomy can delay the need for more extensive knee replacement surgery, relieve pain, improve joint function, and restore activity levels in suitable candidates.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/knee-arthroscopy-procedure-risks-post-surgery-care/
- https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/osteotomy-of-the-knee/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21159-knee-osteotomy