Overview
Limb realignment surgery, commonly known as osteotomy, is a procedure used to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA), particularly in younger patients who still have some joint cartilage left and want to delay or avoid a knee replacement. This surgery is typically considered when the OA affects only one side of the knee joint (the medial or lateral side) and when the patient is too young for a knee replacement or desires a more conservative approach to managing their condition.
Osteotomy for Young Patients
Preserving the Joint
Limb realignment surgery aims to redistribute the weight-bearing load from the affected part of the knee to a healthier area, helping to preserve the remaining cartilage.
Delaying Knee Replacement
Young patients, especially those under 50, may not be candidates for a knee replacement due to the longevity of artificial implants. Osteotomy can provide relief for several years, sometimes decades, postponing the need for total knee replacement.
Improvement in Function
For patients with a misaligned knee joint (like in cases of varus or valgus deformity), the surgery can improve alignment and reduce pain, leading to better function and mobility.
