Knee Osteotomy

What is a knee osteotomy?

An osteotomy is a procedure that realigns the leg by precisely cutting and re-setting the bone near the knee — most often the top of the shin bone (a high tibial osteotomy). By changing the angle, weight is shifted away from the worn part of the joint onto the healthier side.

It is a joint-preserving operation: rather than replacing the knee, it buys time — relieving pain and protecting your own joint, often for many years, particularly in younger, active patients.

Who is it for?

Osteotomy suits a specific group of patients, in whom it can be very effective:

• Arthritis confined to one side of the knee (usually the inner).
• A slight bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment overloading that side.
• Younger, active patients who want to preserve their own joint.
• A knee that still moves well, without widespread arthritis.

How the procedure works

The bone is cut with precise planning, and the alignment is corrected by opening or closing a small wedge, which is held with a plate and screws. Bone graft may be used to support the gap. The correction is calculated beforehand from standing X-rays to position the load exactly where the cartilage is healthy.

Recovery timeline

Because a bone has been cut and re-set, recovery is protected while it heals.

Risks & outcomes

In the right patient, osteotomy reliably reduces pain and can preserve the natural knee for many years. The main considerations are the bone-healing time and that arthritis may eventually progress, sometimes leading to a replacement later. Risks — including delayed bone healing, infection and clots — are uncommon and actively managed.