What is an osteotomy ?
Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves correcting the axis of the lower limb by performing a controlled bone cut, followed by precise realignment. The goal is to rebalance joint pressures in order to relieve a worn, painful, or overloaded area.
Rather than replacing the joint, osteotomy preserves it by modifying the way stress is exerted on the cartilage. It is part of a conservative surgery approach, particularly in young, active patients.
When should an osteotomy be considered ?
Osteotomy is indicated when the joint is still partially preserved, but mechanical misalignment causes accelerated wear of a single compartment (most often internal) of the knee.
It is recommended in particular in the following cases :
- Unicompartmental arthritis of the knee in a young patient.
- Genu varum (bowed legs) or genu valgum (X-shaped knees) leading to overwork on one side of the joint.
- Chronic instabilities or mechanical pain related to the axis.
- Need to delay a prosthesis, when the other compartments are still healthy.
This procedure is often offered as an alternative to a prosthesis in patients under 60 years of age who wish to maintain an active lifestyle.
What does the intervention consist of ?
The procedure involves partially cutting the bone (femur or tibia), then opening or closing an angle to restore the ideal axis of the limb. An anatomical plate and screws maintain the correction while the bone heals.
Osteotomy is most often performed :
- At the proximal tibia (genu varum)
- At the distal femur (genu valgum)
Dr. Coulin plans each gesture using precision imaging, to achieve optimal alignment, adapted to the patient's anatomy and biomechanics.
What are the post-operative consequences ?
Partial support is generally allowed in the days following the intervention, with a gradual transition to full support according to bone consolidation. Rehabilitation is implemented quickly to maintain mobility, avoid stiffening and strengthen muscles.
A resumption of normal activities is possible between 2 and 3 months, and the practice of sports between 4 and 6 months, depending on the evolution. Control X-rays are performed regularly to monitor bone healing.
What results can you expect ?
Osteotomy offers excellent results in well-selected patients :
- Significant pain relief,
- Slowdown in the progression of osteoarthritis,
- Improvement of joint function and walking,
- Delay, or even avoidance, of fitting a prosthesis.
Osteotomy does not cure osteoarthritis, but it can permanently rebalance the joint, giving a second life to a knee that is still partially healthy.
Precise, personalized and scalable surgery
Dr. Coulin places particular importance on preoperative planning, radiological analysis of the axis, and rigorous patient selection. Osteotomy is a powerful tool in the joint preservation strategy and can be combined, if necessary, with other procedures (cartilage, meniscus, etc.).
Are you young, active, and suffering from the beginnings of knee osteoarthritis ?
Dr. Coulin will see you for a consultation in Geneva to assess the suitability of an osteotomy in your case, taking into account your functional objectives, your activity, and your anatomy.
