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An Osteotomy is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia to deliberately cut or reshape the bone. It's used to realign bone segments, serving various functions across joints and addressing issues affecting growth, mobility, and other factors. Osteotomies primarily target problems at the junctions of two bones, including the jaw, elbow, spine, shoulder, hips, knees, legs, toes, and foot. This treatment is notably effective in alleviating arthritis-related pain, especially in the knee and hip joints, offering an alternative to joint replacement, especially in elderly patients. Recovery from Osteotomy can be protracted due to the nature of the treatment. Therefore, a thorough consultation with a physician is vital for comprehensive planning and support throughout the healing process. If you are looking for Osteotomy Surgery in Mukundapur, Manipal Hospitals is the place to visit.
Osteotomies are surgical procedures in which the bones are cut and reshaped. They are done for several purposes, but the main ones are to enhance function, relieve pain, and fix abnormalities in the bones. The following are some common reasons for performing Osteotomies:
Correct bone deformities: Address congenital or trauma-induced malalignments like bow legs or knock knees
Manage arthritis: Shift weight-bearing from damaged to healthier joint areas, relieving pain
Improve joint function: Enhance alignment and biomechanics for better movement and less pain
Delay joint replacement: Postpone knee or hip replacements by improving joint function
Repair fractures: Fix improperly healed fractures (nonunions or malunions)
Treat bone disorders: Address conditions like osteonecrosis by redistributing affected bone areas
Improve cosmetic appearance: Correct bone deformities for aesthetic reasons
Treat paediatric conditions: Manage issues like hip dysplasia in children
Following the administration of either regional or general anaesthesia, the surgical team uses an antiseptic solution to sterilise the area. To estimate the size of the necessary bone wedge, surgeons use CT scans, X-rays, or 3D computer models. The wedge, which is located close to the injured joint, is carefully removed using different techniques for every joint. The goal is to redistribute weight from damaged cartilage to healthier cartilage. By realigning the joint, the operation seeks to evenly distribute weight over the cartilage. Following the wedge removal, internal plates, staples, or pins are used to bring the bones together and stabilise them. Casts for immobilisation are an additional option.
There are several types of knee osteotomies, each designed to address specific issues related to knee alignment and function. The main types include:
Tibia Osteotomy: Through this procedure, a bow-legged alignment that puts excessive stress on the inside of the knee is corrected.
High Tibial Osteotomy: Patients with knee arthritis might have their knee joints realigned with this procedure. The necessity for a partial or total knee replacement may be avoided or postponed with this procedure.
The Fulkerson Osteotomy: This is a specialised procedure where a section of your tibial tubercle—a particular region on your tibia—is removed. This relieves strain on your kneecap and stops it from dislocating by altering the area where your kneecap tendon connects to your tibia.
Pain usually lasts for three to four weeks following an Osteotomy. Oral medicine usually works effectively to control. As weight is placed on the healthier cartilage of the unaffected compartment, it is expected that most arthritis pain symptoms will considerably improve after the Osteotomy fully heals.
Osteotomies carry many advantages, such as:
The knee joint's ligament is kept in a good state throughout the entire procedure.
The process slows down the advancement of osteoarthritis.
Osteotomy delays the necessity for a joint replacement for an extended time.
The procedure is preferable to knee replacement, which requires prosthetics to be used in place of the complete knee.
Following the process, patients can engage in regular activities without much difficulty, something that may not be possible following replacement surgery.
It enhances the affected joint's functionality and range of motion.
It reduces the amount of pain caused by worsening of the prior condition.
All surgeries have some risks, which may be major or minor. Following an Osteotomy, potential risks include:
Challenges with anaesthesia
Infection
Thrombosis or blood clots
Surrounding nerve injury
Bones that either misalign or fail to heal properly
Stiffness and irritation of the joints
Persistent pain
Scar tissue formation
While it is not possible to prevent every pinched nerve, you can reduce your risk if you:
Maintain appropriate posture and a healthy weight
Maintain the strength and flexibility of your muscles through regular stretching exercises.
Avoid prolonged leg crossings and prolonged sitting or lying down. This may result in your leg's nerves being compressed.
Limit the use of repetitive motions and take breaks from them (like typing). While using a keyboard, make use of wrist rests.
Reducing weight might relieve your pinched nerve sensations if it's because of weight gain
Promoting healing after an Osteotomy involves a combination of medical guidance and self-care practices. Here are some ways to facilitate the healing process:
Refrain from smoking, as nicotine may interfere with proper bone fusion and slow down the healing process
Following a plant-based, healthy, balanced diet
Maintaining a healthy weight
Following your doctor's advice
Stay hydrated and get enough rest
Attend physical therapy sessions
Manage pain with prescribed medication and ice packs
Use supportive devices like crutches or braces
Do prescribed rehabilitation exercises
Watch for signs of infection and seek prompt medical attention if needed
You may experience some discomfort following surgery, but the surgeon and the nursing staff ensure to ease your pain. To help manage pain, your doctor prescribes you a variety of medications, such as opioids, local anaesthetics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). Medication for pain management can make you feel more comfortable, which will hasten the healing process and speed up the recovery process following surgery. Opioids are narcotics and can be very addictive, but they can also be great pain relievers. Opioids should only be taken as prescribed by your physician, and you should stop taking them as soon as the pain fades away.
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