How does osteotomy work?

The surgeon chooses the bone and cut based on examination and imaging. A wedge may be opened, removed, or rotated so the joint surface and limb axis carry force more evenly. The cut is stabilised with fixation such as a plate and screws. This can preserve the person's own joint and may be considered for alignment problems or selected joint wear. Examples include bow legs, knock knees, hip dysplasia, Perthes disease, or some cases of knee osteoarthritis. The method is not the same for every body region or age group.

Before surgery, ask how much weight you can place on the limb and whether a brace, crutches, or cast will be needed. Afterward, follow the wound, medication, and activity instructions; protect the corrected bone while it consolidates, then progress movement and strengthening with the rehabilitation team. Keep follow-up imaging appointments so alignment and healing can be checked. Smoking, certain medicines, and health conditions can affect bone healing, so share your full medical history.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or new numbness. Seek urgent help for severe calf swelling or pain, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or a foot that becomes cold, pale, or difficult to move. A fall or new injury to the operated limb also needs prompt advice, even if the incision looks intact.

Ask which bone and alignment target are planned, how fixation will be used, when weight-bearing can increase, and what signs would suggest delayed healing or infection.