What is a Knee Osteotomy?
A knee osteotomy is a surgical treatment for painful malalignment of the knee joint or osteoarthritis of the knee. If the knee joint is improperly aligned, extra pressure can be placed on the inside or outside portion of the knee. Over time, this overload can wear away the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the tibia and femur bones during movement of the knee. This can cause pain, stiffness, and eventual osteoarthritis of the knee joint. A knee osteotomy describes a procedure in which the bones of the knee are cut and realigned into an improved position that facilitates more even distribution of weight, thereby improving pain. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic knee specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced knee issues from misalignment of the joint.
Who needs to have a knee osteotomy?
A knee osteotomy is a complex surgery that can offer a solution to knee pain stiffness resulting from malalignment and overload of the knee joint. Dr. Lamplot may recommend a knee osteotomy for the following reasons:
- To alleviate symptoms of painful osteoarthritis on a single side of the knee joint. This surgery can be considered as an alternative treatment to a knee replacement in selected patients.
- To realign a misaligned knee joint to prevent further degradation of cartilage, or to improve the success of a cartilage repair or replacement procedure.
While these are examples of common reasons Dr. Lamplot may perform a Knee osteotomy, this is not a comprehensive list. Dr. Lamplot will carefully evaluate each patient to determine if they may benefit from this treatment.
Who is a good candidate for knee osteotomy?
While a patient may suffer from a condition that can be treated with a knee osteotomy, not all patients are good candidates for this procedure. Patients who are healthy, active, and under 60 years old typically have the highest likelihood of a good outcome following this procedure. Furthermore, it is preferred that the patient experiences activity-related pain on only one side of the knee, as the osteotomy surgery functions to offload this painful portion of the knee joint. Following a thorough assessment of each patient’s case, Dr. Lamplot will provide and individualized treatment plan.
What is a high tibial osteotomy?
A high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a specialized type of knee osteotomy that is used to treat malalignment of the knee joint, most commonly a bow-legged (varus) deformity. This malalignment causes excessive pressure to be placed on one side of the knee joint, most commonly the inside (medial) portion which can result in activity-related pain. During this type of knee osteotomy procedure, Dr. Lamplot makes a partial cut into the tibia (shin) bone just below the knee joint. He is then able to move the tibia into proper alignment, thereby redistributing the weight across the knee joint evenly. This cut in the bone is secured with a plate and surgical screws.
What is a distal femoral osteotomy?
A distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) is another type of knee osteotomy that is used to treat knock-kneed (valgus) malalignment of the lower extremity. This malalignment leads to excess weight being placed on the outside (lateral) portion of the knee joint, often leading to activity-related pain within that portion of the knee joint. In this surgery, Dr. Lamplot will make a small, partial cut into the femur (thigh) bone just above the knee joint. He is then able to move the femur into proper alignment, thereby redistributing the weight across the knee joint evenly. This cut in the bone is secured with a plate and surgical screws.
How is a knee osteotomy done?
Prior to surgery, Dr. Lamplot will use x-rays and specialized surgical planning software to determine exactly how much the bone needs to be shifted after cutting it. During surgery, after cutting the bone and positioning it appropriately based on the individualized surgical plan, Dr. Lamplot will insert a bone graft in a wedge shape into the tibia (shin bone) or femur (thigh bone) to maintain the new alignment and allow for healing. This realignment will lessen the pressure placed on the painful part of the knee and distribute the load more evenly across the entire knee joint. A plate and surgical screws are used to secure the osteotomy. These procedures are typically performed in an outpatient (ambulatory) surgery center, with most patients going home on the same day as surgery.
What is the recovery like after a knee osteotomy?
Immediately following surgery, patients will need to use crutches to limit the amount of weight that is placed on the knee. Crutches will be used for approximately 6 weeks after surgery. Physical therapy will begin within 3-5 days of surgery, with an emphasis on regaining range of motion and flexibility of the knee joint. Patients can expect to achieve full recovery in approximately 6 to 8 months after the knee osteotomy is performed.
Knee Osteotomy Surgeon
If you have knee malalignment such as knocked-knees or bow-legged knees, you are more susceptible to injury in both the knees and hips. Knee osteotomy is a simple treatment that can realign the bones of the knee, helping them to function better and in a straight line. Knee osteotomy surgeon Doctor Joseph D. Lamplot, provides diagnosis as well as surgical treatment options for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who have knee malalignment. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!
