All you need to know about
Osteotomy
As a patient, your number one priority is to completely understand the steps in your surgery.
You are the principal actor of your surgery
You will be the only one present from the beginning to the end of the care process, from A to Z and beyond. In other words, you need to be part of the project. To help you feel an integral part of the surgical team, it is important that you are well informed and know how to communicate with your caregivers.
For how many years will my osteotomy improve my life?
This period is very variable and depends on many factors. However, given the long recovery time, your surgeon will not recommend this operation unless you can expect at least 5 years of improvement. In general, a good result can be expected between 8 and 15 years, and even up to 20 years, if all prognosis factors are met. Your surgeon will be able to tell you what results you can expect and for how long. After three months you can go about your normal daily life. After 6 months, in more than 9 out of 10 cases, you will be able to lead a “normal” life. In 90% of cases, you will even forget about your operation for many years. This is what we call, the forgotten knee.
Can a prosthesis be made after an osteotomy?
The answer is yes. In fact, the longer you live and the more likely you are to have a prosthetic limb. During this time, the osteotomy will allow you to lead a normal life and do regular activities. When the time comes, fitting the prosthesis will be all the easier if the osteotomy has been well performed.
What kind of sports can I do after an osteotomy?
Plates and screws: which materials?
When to discuss osteotomy?
What is a valgus osteotomy?
If you are bowlegged, meaning that your knees curve outwards, your surgeon will diagnose you with genu varum morphotype. An osteotomy may be suggested to realign the lower limb. Straightening the limb is called a valgus osteotomy. If the aim is to achieve a straight leg, it is called a valgus osteotomy with normal correction. A valgus osteotomy with hypercorrection reorients the limb in a valgus position on the opposite side. Tibial valgus osteotomy with hypercorrection is the most common. It is particularly indicated in medial femoral-tibial osteoarthritis where the wear is in the medial compartment of the knee. The correction transfers forces from the medial compartment of the knee to the healthy lateral compartment.
On the other hand, if the deformity is inverted with an X-shaped lower limb, a valgus deformity, then the realignment osteotomy will be a varus osteotomy. Hypercorrection is not usually required.
