Corrective osteotomy of the knee joint

Corrective osteotomy of the knee area is a modern operation that can significantly reduce or get rid of the pain caused by arthrosis of the knee joint. This is the correction of the axis of the leg and the redistribution of the load from the affected area of the joint to the healthy one. It is an effective alternative to endoprosthetics, which allows you to postpone the need for joint replacement for 10-20 years.

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Osteotomy is an effective and safe technique that is widely used in world orthopedics. It is recommended for patients with limited localization of the lesion, mainly in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee. By choosing it, you can save your own joint and minimize side effects.

What is corrective osteotomy?

Corrective osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which the doctor performs a controlled chipping of the femur or tibia to change its angle and align the axis of the leg. Thus, the load on the damaged part of the knee is reduced, which reduces pain and slows the progression of arthrosis.

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Although the operation involves bone cutting, its effectiveness and safety have been proven by hundreds of thousands of successful operations in the world. Timely osteotomy allows you to preserve the quality of life, avoid disability and postpone prosthetics for a long time.

When this knee surgery is indicated: diseases and pathologies

Osteotomy of the knee joint is indicated for patients with partial cartilage tissue damage. It is often used for medial or lateral arthrosis, when part of the joint retains functionality.

Most often, the operation is prescribed for:

• Varus deformation(O-shaped legs) with damage to the inner part of the knee;
• valgus deformation(X-shaped legs) with damage to the outer part of the joint;
• post-traumatic deformitiesand improper splicing after fractures;
• Deforming arthrosis1—3 stages, when there is still a chance to save your own joint.

The main goal is to change the direction of the axial load in such a way as to relieve pressure from the affected area of the joint and “transfer” it to the healthy part.

Cases in which corrective osteotomy is contraindicated

The operation has standard limitations for orthopedic practice, including:

• severe osteoporosis;
• active phase of rheumatic diseases;
• severe blood clotting disorders;
• decompensated chronic diseases of the heart or lungs;
• general serious condition of the patient.

The decision on the possibility of conducting an operation is always made individually, taking into account the risks and the predicted result. In some cases, even with partial contraindications, osteotomy can significantly improve the condition and postpone the need for more radical surgical interventions.

Types of corrective knee osteotomy

Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma Clinic conducts corrective osteotomy in Lviv using the following methods:

• Proximal tibial osteotomy— with deviation of the axis in the tibia.
• Distal femur osteotomy— in the presence of an axis deviation in the femur.

Both techniques allow you to align the axis of the leg, reduce the local load and stabilize the joint. They are especially popular among young patients who do not want to agree to radical surgery to replace joints with artificial implants.

How is the operation going?

Corrective osteotomy is performed under general or regional anesthesia and usually lasts 1.5-2 hours. The surgeon makes an incision in the area of the lower leg or thigh, and then performs a bone saw. After correcting the angle, the fragments are fixed with special plates and screws that ensure stability and correct position. X-ray control is used to control the accuracy of the procedure.

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In certain cases, this operation is combined with arthroscopy of the knee joint. It is a minimally invasive intervention that allows the introduction of the camera and instruments through small incisions. Arthroscopy— a very effective technique that allows treatment of concomitant lesions such as ruptures of cartilage and menisci during the same operation.

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After completing the manipulations, the wound is sutured. In most cases, external immobilization of the limb is not required.

Recommended recovery after osteotomy

Rehabilitation is a key stage that affects the duration and effectiveness of treatment. Usually, full recovery after corrective knee osteotomy takes 6—12 months. In the first weeks after surgery, the patient moves with crutches without load on the leg.

Complex rehabilitation at Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma Clinic includes:

• Physiotherapy— individually selected exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and stabilize the knee joint;
• Hardware treatment— in particular, high-intensity laser therapy to control inflammation and accelerate tissue healing;
• Injection Techniques— PRP, BMAC and LIPOGEMS. These innovative approaches make it possible to activate the natural mechanisms of regeneration in the affected joint.

In some cases, removal of metal structures may be recommended 12—24 months after surgery, however, most patients live with them without discomfort.

Benefits of Corrective Osteotomy at Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma

1. An integrated approach. We accompany patients throughout the treatment process — from initial consultation and diagnosis to surgery and rehabilitation.
2. Modern technologies. We use arthroscopic control, safe implants and injectable rehabilitation techniques to obtain the best results.
3. The experience of doctors. Our specialists are constantly improving their skills and learning new methods of treatment, which allows them to perform operations of any level of complexity.
4. Comfort and support. Patients are in comfortable wards under the round-the-clock supervision of medical personnel. We perform operations in safe conditions, using modern methods of anesthesia. By contacting us, you receive individual recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation.

The price of corrective osteotomy in our clinic

(The price of corrective osteotomy is determined individually. It depends on the indications, the current state of health of the patient, the degree of deformation of the lower extremities and the chosen method of surgery. You can check out the approximate prices on this page or sign up for a consultation to get an accurate calculation. )