Osteotomy

1. What is Osteotomy?

Osteotomy is an orthopaedic surgical procedure in which a bone is carefully cut and realigned to correct deformity, improve joint mechanics or redistribute weight-bearing forces.

It may involve removing or adding a wedge of bone and securing the corrected position using plates, screws, nails or other fixation devices.

2. When is Osteotomy Recommended?

Osteotomy may be recommended for conditions such as:

• Bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment
• Knee malalignment with early osteoarthritis
• Hip deformities
• Bone deformities following injury
• Congenital bone deformities
• Malunion after a fracture
• Limb alignment abnormalities
• Selected joint-preservation procedures

The suitability of osteotomy depends on the patient's age, symptoms, joint condition and severity of deformity.

3. How Is the Condition Evaluated?

Assessment may include:

• Orthopaedic specialist examination
• Standing X-rays
• Full-length limb alignment X-rays
• CT scans in selected cases
• MRI to assess joint cartilage and soft tissues where required
• Gait and functional assessment
• Blood tests and preoperative evaluation

Detailed imaging helps the surgeon plan the correction accurately.

4. What Does the Procedure Involve?

The general treatment process includes:

Orthopaedic evaluation → X-rays and alignment assessment → Surgical planning → Preoperative evaluation → Anaesthesia → Controlled bone cut (osteotomy) → Correction of alignment → Internal or external fixation → Postoperative imaging → Rehabilitation → Follow-up

The exact technique depends on the bone and condition being treated.

5. What Types of Osteotomy Are Performed?

Depending on the affected area, procedures may include:

• High tibial osteotomy (HTO)
• Distal femoral osteotomy
• Femoral osteotomy
• Pelvic or hip osteotomy
• Corrective osteotomy for fracture malunion
• Other deformity-correction osteotomies

The procedure is individually planned based on the patient's anatomy and condition.

6. How Long Does Surgery and Recovery Take?

Surgery commonly takes approximately 1–4 hours, depending on the complexity.

Typical recovery may include:

• Hospital stay: approximately 2–5 days
• Walking: may initially require crutches or a walker
• Weight-bearing: depends on the osteotomy site and fixation method
• Bone healing: commonly takes several weeks to months
• Physiotherapy: important for restoring movement and strength

Recovery varies considerably depending on the procedure.

7. What Are the Expected Benefits and Outcomes?

For suitable patients, osteotomy may help:

• Correct bone or limb alignment
• Redistribute pressure across a joint
• Reduce pain
• Improve walking and mobility
• Preserve the natural joint
• Delay the need for joint replacement in selected patients

Outcomes depend on the underlying condition, severity of deformity and rehabilitation.

8. What Are the Risks or Considerations?

Potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Delayed bone healing or non-union
• Loss of correction
• Nerve or blood-vessel injury
• Implant-related complications
• Joint stiffness
• Persistent pain
• Need for additional surgery

Individual risks depend on the location and complexity of the osteotomy.

9. Why Consider Osteotomy in India?

India has specialised orthopaedic centres offering:

• Advanced digital X-ray, CT and MRI imaging
• Experienced orthopaedic and deformity-correction surgeons
• Computer-assisted surgical planning
• Modern fixation implants
• Joint-preservation procedures
• Comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation

10. How Can Medavelle Help and What Should the Patient Do Next?

Medavelle can assist with:

Medical-record review → Orthopaedic specialist coordination → Hospital selection → Alignment and surgical evaluation → Treatment planning → Cost estimation → International patient arrangements.

Next step: Share standing X-rays & orthopaedic reports → Specialist evaluation → Alignment assessment → Personalised surgical planning → Osteotomy → Rehabilitation → Follow-up.