Osteotomies Around Knee

Knee osteotomy is a bone-cutting procedure designed to realign the knee joint and redistribute load away from a damaged or arthritic compartment. Dr. Gazanfar Patel performs osteotomies around the knee as a joint-preserving solution for younger, active patients who are not yet suitable candidates for total knee replacement.

By correcting abnormal leg alignment — such as bow legs (varus deformity) or knock knees (valgus deformity) — osteotomy reduces pain, slows cartilage degeneration, and can significantly delay or avoid the need for joint replacement surgery.

Types of Osteotomies Performed

1. High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO)

Performed on the tibia (shinbone) to correct varus (bow-leg) deformity and shift load from the damaged medial (inner) compartment to the healthier lateral (outer) compartment of the knee.

Technique: Opening wedge or closing wedge osteotomy fixed with a locking plate and screws.
Ideal Candidate: Active patients under 60 with medial compartment arthritis and varus alignment.

2. Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO)

Performed on the femur (thighbone) to correct valgus (knock-knee) deformity, offloading the lateral compartment and reducing pain in lateral compartment arthritis.

Technique: Lateral closing wedge or medial opening wedge osteotomy stabilized with a locking plate.
Ideal Candidate: Younger patients with lateral compartment disease and valgus malalignment.

3. Combined Osteotomy

In complex deformity cases, simultaneous tibial and femoral osteotomies may be required to achieve optimal mechanical alignment of the entire lower limb.

Conditions Treated

Unicompartmental Knee Arthritis: Arthritis confined to the medial or lateral compartment with associated limb malalignment.
Varus Deformity (Bow Legs): Inward angulation of the knee placing excessive load on the medial compartment.
Valgus Deformity (Knock Knees): Outward angulation overloading the lateral compartment.
Osteochondral Defects: Cartilage damage that can be offloaded to promote healing alongside cartilage restoration procedures.
Post-Traumatic Malunion: Knee malalignment resulting from improperly healed fractures.

Why Choose Dr. Gazanfar Patel for Knee Osteotomy?

Joint Preservation Philosophy: Dr. Patel prioritizes preserving the native joint in younger patients, delaying or preventing the need for joint replacement.
Computer-Aided Planning: Uses digital templating and full-length standing X-rays to calculate precise correction angles for optimal outcomes.
Modern Fixation Techniques: Locking plate systems allow stable fixation with earlier mobilization and reduced non-union risk.
Holistic Approach: Osteotomy is often combined with cartilage restoration procedures or meniscal surgery for comprehensive joint treatment.

Patient Journey & Recovery Expectations

Pre-operative Planning: Full-length standing X-rays and CT scans for precise deformity analysis and correction planning.
Surgery: Minimally invasive osteotomy with stable locking plate fixation, typically performed under spinal or general anaesthesia.
Early Mobilization: Partial weight-bearing with crutches initiated shortly after surgery, progressing to full weight-bearing over 6–8 weeks.
Rehabilitation: Progressive physiotherapy to restore range of motion, muscle strength, and functional activity levels. Full return to sport typically at 6–9 months.

Nearby Areas We Serve

Contact Now