High Tibial Osteotomy
Are you a candidate for a high tibial osteotomy?
If arthritis is affecting only one side of your knee and you are experiencing constant pain during regular activities, a high tibial osteotomy may be considered as a treatment option to relieve pressure on the damaged side. A high tibial osteotomy is not considered a permanent cure for arthritis, but a high tibial osteotomy can delay the need for a knee replacement for a number of years. Since knee replacements can wear out with time, an osteotomy may be suitable for young or middle-aged people who want to delay a knee replacement as long as possible. It could also be helpful for an older person who wants to delay a full knee replacement until after retirement.
The high tibial osteotomy procedure
During a high tibial osteotomy, the surgeon will remove a small wedge of bone from the outside of the upper part of your tibia or shin bone, just below the knee. The top of your tibia is then lowered to fill the gap and stapled or screwed into place. This realignment will cause your leg to bend in a way that transfers some of your weight to the outside part of your knee, where the cartilage is still in good condition. After the operation, your surgeon will put your leg in a brace or cast designed to put pressure on your leg to make sure it heals with the correct bend to relieve pressure on the damaged cartilage.
What to expect from a high tibial osteotomy
You will most likely remain in the hospital for two to four days after the surgery and be on crutches for up to six weeks. As the bone heals, you will gradually be able to resume normal activity with a significant decrease in the pain you were experiencing from the damaged cartilage on the inward side of your knee. Since this is not a permanent cure, you may need to have knee replacement surgery later, but your high tibia osteotomy could delay the need for that operation for up to a decade.
