Osteotomy

Your general physician will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to further evaluate your knee if needed. Your orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Your physician will take your history in which information about your general health and symptoms will be documented. A physical exam to assess your knee motion and stability, muscle strength and overall leg alignment will follow. X-rays will be taken to evaluate the bones of your knee. You may also have an MRI scan to help determine soft tissue involvement. Blood tests may also be required. Your orthopedic surgeon will explain the potential risks and complications of knee osteotomy, including those related to the surgery itself and those that can occur after your surgery.

Osteotomy may be appropriate if you are younger than age 60, active or overweight. There must also be uneven damage to your joint, correctable deformity and no inflammation. The surgeon reshapes the lower leg (tibia) or upper leg (femur) to improve the alignment of your knee. The remaining healthy bone and cartilage is realigned to compensate for the damaged tissue. Knee osteotomy surgically repositions the joint to realigning the limb away from the diseased area. This lets your knee glide freely and carry weight evenly on a more normal compartment.

• Proximal tibial valgus osteotomy treats arthritis of the medial compartment, correcting a knee that angles inward (varus deformity)
• Distal femoral varus osteotomy treats arthritis of the lateral compartment, correcting a knee that angles outward (valgus deformity)