What is an osteotomy?
An osteotomy is a surgical procedure, performed under general anesthesia, that repairs damaged joints by cutting and reshaping the bones. An osteotomy can be performed on the following joints:
- Knee
- Hip
- Spine
- Jaw
- Chin
- Big toe
Why is an osteotomy performed?
An osteotomy will fix problems experienced in different bones and joints.
- Knee: if the kneecap is misaligned or damaged by arthritis, then a knee osteotomy cuts either the tibia or femur to take pressure off the damaged knee joint.
- Hip: the hip socket is reshaped to better align with the ball of the joint.
- Spine: a wedge of spinal bone may be removed to improve the humpback.
- Jaw: in misaligned jaws, a lower jaw osteotomy can reposition the jaw.
- Chin: an osteotomy can narrow a very square chin. In most cases, this is performed by plastic surgeons.
Osteotomy repairs damaged joints by cutting and reshaping the bones.
What does an osteotomy consist of?
Due to the complexity of an osteotomy, a hospital stay will be necessary. General anesthesia is used, which means you will be asleep during the operation. Surgeons make an incision over the area of bone that is being reshaped. Using a special surgical saw, a section of bone is removed. The cut edges of the bone are then fixed with metal tools or special bone grafts. For a bone graft, a wedge of bone is usually taken from the pelvis and secured with a metal element.
How to prepare for an osteotomy?
Before surgery, you will not be able to eat or drink and you will have to stop taking certain medications. You will receive special instructions from your specialist.
Care after an osteotomy
You may stay in the hospital for a couple of nights. Depending on the type of osteotomy performed, you may need crutches for a couple of months. Full rehabilitation may take up to 6 months. In most cases, physical therapy exercises will be needed to help rehabilitate bone strength, stability and movement.
Alternatives to an osteotomy
An osteotomy is usually an alternative to major surgical procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, which are more serious operations with very long recovery times, and often with revision surgeries as well. Discussing treatment options with your specialist is essential to making a treatment decision.