*
The Kneecap  
si55550925_96472_1

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Definition  

A knee osteotomy is the removal of a wedge of bone from the tibia to realign the leg. The tibia is the shinbone. Recovery time will depend on certain factors, such as your overall health.

*

Reasons for Procedure  

This procedure aligns the knee joint so the healthy part of the knee surface is able to do more weight-bearing. This takes pressure off the damaged part. Damage is often due to osteoarthritis. This surgery may be done instead of a total knee replacement.

While osteotomy does not cure conditions like osteoarthritis, the surgery may:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve movement
  • Delay further damage to the joint
  • Postpone the need for total knee replacement surgery
*

Possible Complications  

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

  • Infection
  • Excess bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Blood clots
  • Shortening of the leg
  • Injuries to nerves or blood vessels

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition
  • History of blood clots
  • Long-term illness
  • Use of certain medications
*

What to Expect  

Prior to Procedure  

Prior to the surgery, the doctor will order tests to confirm the diagnosis and decide how much bone to remove.

Tests may include:

Before surgery, you will need to:

  • Arrange for a ride home.
  • Arrange for help at home while you recover.
  • Talk to your doctor about any allergies you have.
  • Ask your doctor about assisted devices you will need.
  • If you are overweight, lose weight. This will help to decrease the amount of stress on your new joint.
  • Install safety equipment in the bathroom, shower, and on the stairs.
  • Prepare a bedroom on the first floor if possible. Climbing stairs will be difficult at first.

Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure, like:

  • Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin
  • Anti-platelet drugs, such as clopidogrel

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery, unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Anesthesia  

Anesthesia will keep you pain-free and comfortable during the procedure. Anesthesia methods include:

Description of the Procedure  

There are many methods that can be used to perform an osteotomy. In one method, the doctor uses imaging technology to measure the piece of bone that will be removed. A cut is made in the skin from the knee cap to the top of the shinbone. Several thin wires are placed in the knee to serve as guides, showing where the bone should be cut. The doctor uses an oscillating saw to remove the bone wedge. The remaining parts of the bone will be held together with staples, screws, or a plate and screws. The doctor will stitch the tissue together and close the area.

How Long Will It Take?  

1-3 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?  

Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. You will have pain after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medication to help manage pain.

Average Hospital Stay  

You may need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care  

At the Hospital  

Right after the procedure, you will be taken to recovery and monitored closely. The staff may give you:

  • Pain medication
  • Antibiotics to prevent infection
  • Medication that prevents blood clots
  • Place padded bandages over the incision sites
  • Apply ice to reduce swelling
  • A splint or brace to hold the knee in the right position

At Home  

To help ensure a smooth recovery at home, take these steps:

  • Apply ice or a cold pack to the area for 15-20 minutes four times a day. Wrap the ice in a towel. Do not apply it directly to your skin.
  • Elevate the injured leg to reduce swelling.
  • If you have a cast, follow the doctor’s instructions for taking care of your skin.
  • Use crutches or a walker. Avoid putting weight on your injured leg until your doctor gives you permission.
  • Keep the incision area clean and dry.
  • Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water. Place a plastic covering over the incision areas if your doctor recommends keeping it dry.
  • Start working with a physical therapist once you are instructed to. The therapist will focus on balance, range-of-motion, and strength training.
  • Maintain a healthy weight after surgery.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions.

You will need to return to the doctor to have your cast removed or to have x-rays taken. Full recovery can take six months.

*

Call Your Doctor  

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in your legs, calves, or feet
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Your leg, foot, or toes appear chalky white, blue, or black
  • Numbness or tingling in your leg, foot, or toes
  • Pain, burning, urgency, frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.