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Our bones provide structure, and support, and allow for movement. However, sometimes, due to various reasons, bones may not be aligned properly, leading to pain, limited mobility, and even joint degeneration. In such cases, a surgical procedure called osteotomy comes to the rescue. This article is a compilation of all the necessary information about this procedure including what it is, how it’s performed, the recovery phase and tips to lead life afterwards.
Synopsis
What is Osteotomy?
Osteotomy, literally translated as "bone cutting," is a surgical procedure where a bone is strategically cut and repositioned to improve alignment, correct deformity, or relieve pressure on a joint. This procedure can be performed on various bones, including the jaw, knee, ankle, hip, and spine.
Why is Osteotomy Performed?
There are several reasons why an osteotomy might be recommended by an orthopaedic surgeon in Gurugram:
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Correcting Bone Deformity
This could be due to congenital conditions like bowed legs (genu varum) or knock knees (genu valgum), or acquired deformities from injuries or arthritis.
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Realigning Misaligned Joints
Osteotomy can help realign joints like the knee or ankle to improve weight distribution and reduce pain through osteotomy knee surgery.
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Lengthening or Shortening Bones
This might be necessary in cases of leg length discrepancies or for bone lengthening procedures.
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Relieving Pressure on Joints
In some cases of osteoarthritis, osteotomy can help redistribute pressure away from the damaged area of the joint, potentially delaying the need for joint replacement surgery.
The Osteotomy Procedure
While the specifics may vary depending on the bone and the reason for the osteotomy operation, here's a general overview of the procedure:
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Anesthesia
You will be administered general or regional anesthesia depending on the complexity of the bone-cutting surgery.
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Incision
The surgeon will make an incision to expose the bone.
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Bone Cutting
Using specialized tools, the surgeon will carefully cut the bone at the predetermined location.
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Repositioning and Fiixation
The bone fragments will be repositioned in the desired alignment and secured using various methods like screws, plates, or wires.
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Closure
The incision will be closed with sutures or staples.
To know more about surgeries, book an appointment at the best orthopaedic hospital in Gurugram.
Recovery after Osteotomy
Recovery after osteotomy typically involves:
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Hospitalization
Depending on the complexity of the osteotomy surgery, you might stay in the hospital for a few days.
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Pain Management
Medication will be provided to manage pain and discomfort.
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Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation exercises will be crucial to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area.
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Weight-bearing Restrictions
Initially, you might need to use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to limit weight-bearing on the affected bone as it heals.
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Follow-up Appointments
Regular checkups with your doctor will be necessary to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
Living with an Osteotomy
While recovery can take several weeks or months, most individuals who undergo osteotomy experience significant improvement in their pain, mobility, and overall quality of life. However, it's important to remember that this is a surgical procedure, and long-term follow-up and potential adjustments to the implant hardware might be necessary in some cases. Following are some tips shared by our expert orthopaedic surgeon in Gurgaon:
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Adapt your home environment
Make temporary adjustments to your living space to facilitate your recovery. This could involve raising furniture, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or using a shower chair for increased stability.
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Ergonomics at work
If you've returned to work, discuss ergonomic modifications with your employer to ensure a comfortable and safe work environment that minimizes strain on the affected area.
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Nutrition
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D is crucial for bone health and healing. You may also consult our experienced dietitian for personalized dietary guidance.
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Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight puts additional stress on your joints. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can be beneficial in the long term.
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Don't smoke
Smoking can negatively impact bone healing and increase the risk of complications. Quitting smoking is highly recommended, and your doctor can provide support resources if needed.
Book an appointment with our experienced orthopaedic surgeon for timely diagnosis of bone-related disorders and treatment to avoid further complications. Keep coming back to our official blog page to read the latest blogs shared by our doctors.
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