Malalignment of the knee or maltracking of the kneecap leads to abnormal load distribution within the joint surface and presents a well-established factor that contributes to the development of articular cartilage damage and development of joint arthritis. Restoring normal alignment, restores normal biomechanical load distribution in the joint and is critical for joint preservation.
Osteotomy is a joint preservation procedure that helps restore adequate distribution of joint loading in mal-aligned joints by shifting weight away from the area of damaged cartilage and onto an area with healthy articular cartilage. This procedure is useful if the joint surface is injured in only one compartment of the joint. Osteotomies ca be performed together with an articular cartilage repair procedure to repair the damaged cartilage. Depending on the type of malalignment or maltracking different osteotomies can be utilized:
Distal Femoral Osteotomy
An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting of bone. The distal femur is part of the femur (thighbone) just above the knee joint. Distal femoral osteotomy is performed to correct knee alignment which can lead to excessive loading and degeneration of one side of the knee joint.
High Tibial Osteotomy
High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the damaged site of an arthritic knee joint. It is usually performed in arthritic conditions affecting only one side of your knee and the aim is to take pressure off the damaged area and shift it to the other side of your knee with healthy cartilage.
Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy
Tibial tubercle osteotomy is a surgical procedure that is performed along with other procedures to treat patellar instability, patellofemoral pain, and osteoarthritis.
