Osteotomy

Overview

Osteotomy is a type of bone surgery that involves the surgical cutting of a bone to correct deformities or adjust the alignment. This procedure is performed to relieve pain, improve function and enhance the quality of life particularly when the bones are misaligned or have damaged areas. There are several types of osteotomies depending on the location and the purpose of the surgery, including high tibial osteotomy, femoral osteotomy and periacetabular osteotomy.

Why Osteotomy Treatment is Required?

Common conditions treated by osteotomy include:

Knee osteotomy for alignment issues

Tibial osteotomy to correct knee malalignment

Periacetabular osteotomy to treat hip dysplasia

Osteotomy foot to correct deformities in the feet

Maxillomandibular osteotomy for jaw alignment issues

This treatment can delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement and is commonly used in younger patients to preserve joint function.

Key Advantages of Osteotomy Treatment

• Pain relief: Osteotomy often helps reduce pain caused by bone misalignment especially in the knee and hip.
• Improved mobility: Realigning bones can help restore mobility making daily activities easier.
• Preservation of joints: For some conditions osteotomy can delay the need for more invasive treatments like joint replacement.
• Faster recovery: Compared to joint replacement osteotomy often allows for quicker recovery times.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Osteotomy Treatment?

Before undergoing osteotomy surgery, it is essential to:

• Consult with your doctor: Your doctor will assess your condition and help decide if osteotomy is the best option.
• Pre operative tests: You may need to undergo certain tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans to determine the exact nature of your deformity.
• Discuss medications: Inform your surgeon about any medications you are taking, including blood thinners or pain relievers as these may need to be adjusted before the surgery.
• Arranging transportation: Since you may need to stay in the hospital for a short time post surgery arranging a ride home is important.

How Osteotomy Treatment is Performed?

Osteotomy is performed under anesthesia and the method depends on the type of osteotomy needed:

• Knee osteotomy: A surgical incision is made in the skin and part of the bone is cut and realigned.
• Femoral osteotomy: This involves cutting the femur (thigh bone) and realigning it to improve joint function.
• Periacetabular osteotomy: In this procedure, the pelvis bone is cut to correct hip joint alignment.
• High tibial osteotomy: A cut is made in the tibia (shin bone) to shift weight-bearing forces away from damaged areas.

What You Can Expect Before, During, and After Procedure?

1. Before:

You will be instructed to fast before the surgery. Preoperative antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.

2. During:

The procedure typically lasts 1-3 hours depending on the type of osteotomy. An incision is made and the bone is cut, repositioned and held in place with screws or plates.

3. After:

Recovery time varies but you may need crutches for a few weeks. Physical therapy will be part of the rehabilitation process to regain full function.

Risk and Potential Complications

While osteotomy is a relatively safe procedure, there are potential risks:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site.
• Blood clots: You may be at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: Although rare, cutting bones near nerves or blood vessels can cause damage.
• Bone healing issues: In some cases the bone may not heal as expected, requiring additional treatment.

Results/Outcomes

The results of osteotomy treatment are typically positive. Most patients experience:

• Pain reduction: Significant improvement in pain levels after the surgery.
• Improved joint alignment: Realignment of the bone often leads to enhanced mobility and function.
• Long term relief: Osteotomy can help avoid joint replacement for many years.