How effective is osteotomy for bow legs?

Bow legs, also called genu varum, describe an outward curve of the legs. During an osteotomy, the surgeon cuts a carefully chosen bone, changes its angle and holds it in the corrected position while it heals. The aim is a straighter limb and more balanced loading, not simply a cosmetic change.

Assessment looks at the whole leg, including the hip, knee and ankle, because the visible curve may come from different levels. In a growing child, guided growth or another approach may be considered instead. In an adult, arthritis, old injury or bone shape can affect the plan and the expected benefit.

Ask how alignment will be measured and whether the correction is intended to relieve knee strain, improve walking, or address appearance. After surgery, the leg may need a brace or walking aid while the bone heals. Physiotherapy then works on knee movement, thigh strength, balance and a gradual return to loading.

Keep the incision clean as instructed, take medicines as prescribed and avoid extra weight through the leg until cleared. Do not compare your recovery with someone else's: bone healing, age, general health and the exact osteotomy all change the pace.

Seek urgent help for a cold, pale or unusually numb foot, severe pain that is not controlled, sudden calf swelling, chest pain or breathlessness. Call the surgical team for fever, worsening wound redness, drainage, or a new inability to move the foot.

Where is the bowing coming from? What improvement is the operation meant to achieve? How long will weight-bearing be restricted? What alignment checks and rehabilitation milestones will guide my recovery?