An osteotomy is a surgery that cuts away slivers of bone in order to reshape them. It can also be used to shorten or lengthen bones to fix related joint problems. Osteotomies are typically used to treat damaged joints and resolve dislocations through reduction. Osteotomy has the potential to be a complex surgical procedure. First, a skin incision will provide access to the bone, which is measured using special guide wires. The section of bone is then removed with a saw, leaving a space in the joint. This space is filled either with a bone graft or a metal plate that holds the two bones ends together to heal.
Why an osteotomy
may be recommended
Osteotomy reshapes bone alignment to redistribute load across the joint. It is often considered when malalignment is driving pain and cartilage overload.
- Can reduce pressure on damaged cartilage compartments.
- May delay progression of arthritis in selected patients.
- Useful for improving mechanics before or alongside other procedures.
For active patients with focal wear and alignment issues, osteotomy can be a joint-preserving alternative to early replacement.
The London Cartilage Clinic osteotomy
advantage
Osteotomy outcomes depend on precise correction planning and disciplined rehabilitation. At London Cartilage Clinic, we use specialist imaging and alignment analysis to define the exact target.
- Procedure type is selected for your specific deformity and symptoms.
- Fixation strategy and recovery plan are individualised.
- Rehab milestones are monitored to protect correction and restore function.
Our aim is durable alignment correction, reduced pain, and confident return to normal activity with lower risk of future overload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get an osteotomy?
Osteotomies are not only reserved for people who are old or suffering from an affliction. Anyone can suffer an injury or develop a condition that causes weakness in a crucial bodily joint. As such, anyone can have an osteotomy to resolve joint pain and restore joint stability.
What are the risks of osteotomy?
Osteotomies can be considered a major surgery. This is because the range of osteotomies that can be performed each come with risks that are unique to that procedure. Common risks of an osteotomy can be blood clots, infection, nerve damage, scar tissue. Your surgeon will discuss all the risks of the procedure beforehand.
How long does it take to recover from osteotomy?
Patients who have undergone a knee osteotomy will typically be back walking again after 8-12 weeks, although it can take as long as six months to make a full recovery. This will depend on factors such as patient health, age, and the severity of the joint damage that needed treating. Certain osteotomy surgeries will have longer recovery periods associated with them as well.
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