Knee Realignment Surgery and Osteotomy
Knock Knees and Bendy Legs
Knee realignment surgery is often used to improve the alignment of your knee/s. Occasionally only a small part of the knee joint may develop premature wear because the alignment (or shape) of the knee is not ideal (knock knees or bandy legs). When the alignment is corrected through osteotomy (cutting the bone) the damage can be halted or reversed.
What is the aim of the Knee Alignment Surgery?
The aim of the surgery is to shift your body weight off the damaged area to the other half of the knee, where the cartilage is still healthy. This helps to relieve the pain originating from the worn out one half of the knee and also to prolong the life of your native knee joint. This technique can be combined with articular cartilage treatment to enhance the recovery of a damaged joint.
Who is a suitable person for this type of surgery?
Knee realignment surgery or osteotomy is most commonly performed on people who may be considered too young for a knee replacement. This is an attempt to preserve their native knee for as long as possible before they need a knee replacement. Patients who are younger than 50-55 years of age and still active will wear out the artificial joint (knee replacement) much quicker than a person who is 70 years of age.
What is the benefit of this type of knee corrective surgery?
A successful knee realignment osteotomy may delay the need for a joint replacement for several years. Also after this surgery there can be no restrictions on physical activities – allowing you to comfortably participate in your favourite activities, even high impact exercise.