Joint preservation knee osteotomy surgery
Undergoing knee replacement surgery can significantly improve your mobility and restore your independence. Many patients express feeling as though they’ve regained their lives after the procedure. However, knee replacement isn’t the only option for addressing knee pain and dysfunction.
Knee osteotomy, a procedure designed to realign the bones of the knee, may be a viable alternative for some patients. By redistributing weight away from the damaged area, knee osteotomy can relieve pain and delay or even eliminate the need for a full knee replacement. Choosing the right treatment path requires careful consideration of your specific condition, and exploring joint preservation techniques like knee osteotomy could offer a solution tailored to your needs.
Reasons to delay knee replacement
Delaying knee replacements is often due to the patient’s age. Research shows that patients under 55 years old are more likely to be dissatisfied after knee replacement surgery due to issues such as pain, stiffness, and difficulty maintaining physical activity levels. Although younger patients may recover quickly, they often expect a higher level of functionality which may not be achievable for high-impact sports or activities. While knee replacements improve everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, sightseeing, and shopping, they may wear out sooner in younger patients who have more years ahead of them. Revision surgery may be necessary in the future.
Osteotomy surgery as a delay strategy
If you’re experiencing arthritis in only one knee, osteotomy surgery can be a beneficial option for you. This procedure involves transferring weight from one side of the knee to the other, which can alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for individuals with bow-legged or knock-kneed conditions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that since most of the weight will now be going through just one side, that side may wear out quickly. Usually, osteotomy surgery can provide up to 10 years of pain relief, especially for those under 50 years old. It’s crucial to note that one possible drawback of this procedure is that it may cause deformities or increase the risk of infection in future surgeries.
Alternatives to knee osteotomy surgery
There are alternatives to surgery for treating knee problems. Non-operative treatments like knee braces, injections, and physiotherapy are available. Partial knee replacement may also be a suitable option for younger patients instead of total knee replacement. Patients receive thorough consultations to determine the most appropriate treatment plan that fits their lifestyle and goals.
Recent advances in technology
When performing osteotomy surgery, precise planning is essential to determine the necessary amount of bone cutting required. Traditionally, planning was done using two-dimensional X-rays taken from the front and side, with wires used to align the cut and a metal plate fixed to the bone after the osteotomy was made.
However, with advances in equipment and techniques, it is now possible to plan surgery in three dimensions. A customized 3D-printed titanium cutting guide is used to make the osteotomy more precise and reproducible. Additionally, a titanium alloy plate is custom-printed to fit the patient’s bone, resulting in a more accurate correction and bespoke fixation. This system provides greater accuracy in the planning and delivery of the surgical procedure, ultimately resulting in a more precise and tailored fit for the patient’s bone.
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Could knee osteotomy help relieve your knee pain?
If you have been advised that you have knee arthritis or are experiencing ongoing knee pain that is affecting your mobility and quality of life, book a consultation to discuss whether knee osteotomy may be a suitable treatment option for you.