How long does osteotomy take to work for bow legs?

During an osteotomy, the surgeon cuts and repositions a bone to change how force passes through the leg. Plates, screws or another support may hold the correction while the bone heals. Swelling, muscle weakness and limited joint movement can affect walking even when the alignment looks improved. The pace depends on the bone treated, the correction, fixation, general health and whether the knee or hip has already been irritated by uneven loading.

Use crutches or other aids exactly as instructed and keep dressings and the incision clean. Attend follow-up imaging, because the surgeon uses it to decide when weight-bearing can increase. Perform physiotherapy exercises regularly but stay within the prescribed limits. Avoid running, jumping and heavy lifting until cleared. A gradual return to activity helps protect the correction while strength and balance return.

Get urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or a leg that becomes cold, pale or severely painful. Contact the surgical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, worsening swelling, uncontrolled pain, new numbness or a sudden loss of movement.

Ask which bone is being corrected, how long weight-bearing will be restricted, what imaging must show before activity increases, and which signs suggest that healing is not progressing as expected.