How long does osteotomy take to work for knock knees?

Knock knees describe an inward angle of the legs. During an osteotomy, the surgeon changes the alignment of a bone so the knee and limb are positioned more appropriately. The visible angle may change promptly, but swelling, stiffness and reduced muscle control can hide the functional benefit early in recovery.

Follow-up examination and imaging show whether the bone is healing in the intended position. Improvement is judged through standing alignment, walking pattern, strength and activity tolerance. Timing depends on the location of the osteotomy, fixation, age, bone health and rehabilitation needs.

Keep the operated limb within the weight-bearing and movement limits given by your surgeon. Use prescribed aids, protect the incision, and attend reviews so healing can be checked before activity is increased.

Physiotherapy may address swelling, joint movement, muscle activation and safe transfers before progressing to balance, strength and gait practice. Avoid changing exercises because the leg looks straighter; the bone still needs time to consolidate. Build activity in small steps and mention persistent pain or increasing difficulty to the clinical team.

Call the surgical team about fever, spreading redness, wound drainage, worsening pain, new numbness, or a foot that is pale, blue or cold. Urgent assessment is needed for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, or new calf pain with significant swelling.

Ask which bone will be realigned, how long the weight-bearing restriction is expected to last, what the follow-up images will assess, and when driving, work, stairs and sport can be considered. Ask how the team will measure alignment and gait.