Knee Osteotomy Surgery FAQs

Will Knee Osteotomy Solve My Knee Pain?

People vary greatly and it is, therefore, difficult to give a generalised answer to this type of question. If the aim of an osteotomy is to relieve pain then you may see an improvement soon after the procedure. In general, most people do see improvements after knee osteotomy surgery. Your surgeon will discuss your goals and the post-op physiotherapy process to help decide if it is a realistic way for you to achieve your goals.

Are There Any Alternatives to Knee Osteotomy?

In general, knee conditions can be treated in several ways:

• Conservatively - with rest, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
• Medically - with anti-inflammatory or pain killer medications.
• Surgically - with a procedure such as an osteotomy.

If you have not tried all the non-surgical options, it may be advisable to discuss these with your doctor before considering surgery. here are risks associated with any surgery and these may outweigh the benefits of an operation if it is not necessary.

A surgical alternative to an osteotomy is partial or total knee replacement. Osteotomies can be a better option for younger people as knee replacements can wear out in time and may need replacement (revision) every 10 to 15 years, meaning the potential for multiple replacements in a lifetime. Further, revision surgery can be more challenging to perform and results are not guaranteed.

Your surgeon will explain the alternative treatment options, answer any questions you have, and help you come to a decision that is right for you.