How long does osteotomy take to work for avascular necrosis of the hip?

Osteotomy changes the alignment or loading of bone to reduce stress on the affected part of the hip. In avascular necrosis, the result depends on the stage and size of bone damage, joint-surface condition, surgical design and whether the hip can heal while protected from excess load. Crutches or restricted weight-bearing may be needed for a period set by the surgeon. Early pain can reflect the operation itself, so it is too soon to judge the final result from the first days.

Follow weight-bearing, wound-care and medication instructions precisely. Attend imaging and surgical reviews so bone position and healing can be checked. Complete physiotherapy at the prescribed pace, but do not add impact or increase walking because the hip feels better. Tell the surgical team about smoking, steroid use, diabetes or other factors that may affect bone healing, and report a sudden change in pain or ability to move.

Seek urgent care for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting, a cold or severely painful leg, or new inability to move it. Contact the surgical team promptly for fever, wound drainage, spreading redness, uncontrolled pain or calf swelling. These symptoms need assessment rather than waiting for the next routine appointment.

Ask what the osteotomy is designed to achieve, how much weight you may place on the leg, when healing will be checked on imaging, and which findings would change the rehabilitation plan.