How effective is osteotomy for knock knees?

During an osteotomy, the surgeon cuts and repositions a bone to change the line of the leg. For knock knees, the correction may be planned near the knee or farther along the limb after standing X-rays and an examination. The aim is a more balanced loading path, less strain on the knee, and improved leg shape; it is not simply a cosmetic procedure.

The result is influenced by the location and size of the angle, whether the hip, knee, ankle, or whole limb contributes to the alignment, the condition of the joint, and whether growth remains. Pain can have more than one cause, so correcting alignment may not remove every symptom. Healing and rehabilitation also affect how quickly function returns.

An orthopaedic assessment usually includes walking review, measurements of leg alignment, and imaging while standing. Ask which bone will be corrected, how the target angle was chosen, and whether a brace, crutches, or restricted weight-bearing will be needed. Follow the prescribed wound, medication, and movement instructions, then attend physiotherapy to restore knee motion, strength, balance, and a safe walking pattern.

Keep the follow-up appointments because imaging checks whether the bone is healing and the correction remains in position. Contact the surgical team if pain, swelling, or function is worsening rather than gradually settling.

Seek urgent medical advice after surgery for new severe pain, a cold or unusually pale foot, increasing numbness, inability to move the toes, heavy bleeding, or sudden calf swelling with breathlessness. Before treatment, arrange an assessment if the knees are painful, one leg is changing faster than the other, walking is becoming difficult, or the alignment is worsening.

Which part of the leg is creating the knock-knee angle? What improvement is realistic for alignment and symptoms? How long might protected weight-bearing last? Which activities should wait until healing is confirmed? What signs would mean the correction needs an earlier review?