How effective is osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis can affect one compartment more than another. A knee osteotomy changes the angle of the shin bone or thigh bone so forces pass through a less-worn area. It aims to preserve the person's own knee and support activity, but it does not remove arthritis from the joint.

The decision depends on pain, activity goals, leg alignment, ligament stability, range of movement, cartilage damage and the health of the other compartments. It may be less helpful when arthritis is widespread, the knee is very stiff or alignment cannot be corrected appropriately.

Your surgeon will combine examination with standing leg or knee images to plan the correction. Ask which compartment is being protected and how the proposed angle will affect walking. Recovery commonly involves crutches and restricted loading first, followed by exercises for movement, thigh strength and control.

Before surgery, strengthen within comfort and arrange help with transport, stairs and household tasks. Afterward, respect weight-bearing instructions, attend follow-up visits and progress activity in stages. A return to high-impact sport is not automatic and should be discussed for your specific knee.

Get urgent help for severe pain with a cold or numb foot, sudden calf swelling, chest pain or breathlessness. Contact the surgical team for fever, spreading redness, wound drainage, increasing swelling or a new loss of movement. A locked knee or sudden inability to bear weight also needs prompt review.

Which part of my knee is worn? Is my alignment suitable for osteotomy? What functional improvement is realistic for my activities? How does recovery compare with other options, and what would happen if arthritis progresses?