Osteotomy (Realignment)

• Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site or deeper around the hardware. The risk of deep infection is approximately 1%. Despite sterile techniques and preoperative intravenous antibiotics, infection may still occur and could require additional surgery and prolonged antibiotic treatment. In rare cases, persistent infection may necessitate hardware removal or revision surgery. 

• Numbness: Temporary numbness around the front of the knee is common post-surgery and usually improves over time without major issues. 

• Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop in the legs, and on rare occasions, clots may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Preventative measures, including blood thinning medication, are routinely used to minimise this risk. 

• Stiffness: Scar tissue formation can lead to knee stiffness, which typically responds well to physiotherapy. 

• Nerve or blood vessel injury: Although rare, there is a risk of injury to nerves or blood vessels near the knee during surgery 

• Hardware irritation: Some patients may experience irritation or prominence from the metal plate and screws. If this occurs, hardware removal can be considered once the bone has fully healed, usually after 12 months. 

• Persistent pain or stiffness – While most patients experience significant relief, a small number may continue to have pain or stiffness after surgery. 

• Allergic reactions – Rare reactions can occur to medications or anaesthesia. 

Yes. Crutches are generally needed until you regain full knee range of motion and can walk without a limp, typically around 6 weeks post-operatively. 

For certain osteotomy procedures, a knee brace is recommended for 6 weeks after surgery. Dr Free will inform you if a brace is necessary. The brace should be worn continuously, except when showering, icing, or performing range of motion exercises. 

Return to work depends on your job demands. Sedentary or office-based roles may allow a return as early as 6 weeks post-surgery. More physically demanding occupations may require 2 to 3 months before resuming full duties. Dr Free will discuss a personalised return-to-work plan during your consultation and follow-ups. 

Most patients resume driving approximately 6 weeks after osteotomy surgery. Before driving, you must be off strong pain medications, walking independently without crutches, and have comfortable, pain-free knee motion. Always consult Dr Free before resuming driving. 

Keep your wound dry until your 2-week post-operative review with Dr Free. After this, you may shower without dressings. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or baths for at 3-4 weeks to reduce the risk of infection. 

Both surgeries aim to relieve knee pain and improve function but differ significantly in approach. Osteotomy preserves your natural knee by realigning the bone to offload pressure from the damaged compartment, making it ideal for younger, active patients with localized arthritis. Knee replacement involves resurfacing or replacing damaged joint surfaces with implants. Osteotomy maintains your native knee structure and can allow for higher activity levels compared to knee replacement in suitable patients. 

Yes. Many patients return to low-impact and some high-impact sports after knee osteotomy, depending on individual factors and rehabilitation progress. Activities such as hiking, cycling, golf, and skiing are often achievable. A tailored rehabilitation program and sufficient healing time, typically 6 to 12 months, are essential. Osteotomy is frequently chosen by active patients seeking to maintain an active lifestyle and return to sports with fewer restrictions than after joint replacement.