Skip to main content

CORRECTIVE OSTEOTOMY

Method
Correction of the leg axis by a corrective osteotomy
Duration
about 90-120 minutes
Recovery time
4 to 6 months

The corrective osteotomy is a surgical procedure for correcting deformities of the axis of the lower limb. By dividing and shifting the bone deliberately, the mechanical axis of the leg is corrected in order to optimise the load within the joints and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

This operation is often used in younger patients with early osteoarthritis, in order to postpone a joint replacement. With knock knees (genu valgum) or bow legs (genu varum) in particular, a corrective osteotomy can improve the biomechanics markedly.

What is a corrective osteotomy?

Indications for a corrective osteotomy

  • Early osteoarthritis with a deformity of the axis
  • A knock-knee or bow-leg deformity
  • Deformities of the axis following injury
  • Instability of the kneecap with a deviation of the axis
  • Younger patients whose joint can still be preserved

How the operation proceeds

  • Precise planning beforehand with full-length leg X-rays
  • Division of the bone (osteotomy) at the desired site
  • Correction of the axis and fixation with plates and screws
  • Locking fixation for the best possible stability
  • An X-ray check after the operation to confirm the result

Rehabilitation after a corrective osteotomy

Rehabilitation after a corrective osteotomy is decisive for long-term success. A step-by-step increase in load and targeted physiotherapy are important in order to stabilise the new leg axis.

Phase I (0-6 weeks): partial weight-bearing and protection
  • Partial weight-bearing with forearm crutches (about 15-20 kg)
  • Orthosis to control movement, thrombosis prophylaxis where needed
  • Cooling, elevation, lymphatic drainage
  • Passive mobilisation exercises, CPM splint
Phase II (6-12 weeks): increasing load
  • Transition to full weight-bearing depending on the X-ray check
  • Strengthening the thigh and hip muscles
  • Increasing active movement, co-ordination training
Phase III (from week 12): everyday life and sport
  • Stability and load training
  • Sport-specific build-up training (from about 4-6 months)
  • Return to activity after clinical and radiological checks