Dr. Dinesh Kumar is a renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon in Rewa, specializing in sports injuries, arthroscopy, and joint replacement surgery. With expertise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, he offers personalized care and advanced surgical techniques to restore mobility and enhance the quality of life for his patients.
High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure designed to treat knee osteoarthritis, particularly in the medial compartment. The surgery involves making a controlled cut in the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) and either removing or adding a wedge of bone to realign the knee joint. This realignment shifts the weight-bearing load from the damaged, arthritic part of the knee to a healthier area, thereby reducing pain and improving function. HTO is often recommended for younger, active patients as an alternative to total knee replacement, aiming to preserve the natural joint and delay the need for more invasive surgery.
High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is often considered for patients suffering from medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, where symptoms include persistent knee pain, especially on the inner side of the knee. This pain is typically exacerbated by weight-bearing activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. Other symptoms include knee swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion, which can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
The primary cause of conditions requiring HTO is osteoarthritis, particularly affecting the medial (inner) compartment of the knee. This type of arthritis leads to the deterioration of cartilage, causing bone-on-bone contact, pain, and inflammation. Contributing factors include age-related wear and tear, obesity, previous knee injuries, and alignment issues such as bow-leggedness (varus deformity), which increases stress on the medial compartment of the knee.
High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure aimed at realigning the knee joint to redistribute weight away from the damaged medial compartment to healthier areas of the knee. During HTO, the surgeon makes a controlled cut in the upper part of the tibia and either removes or adds a wedge of bone to alter the alignment of the leg. This change shifts the load-bearing axis to the lateral (outer) part of the knee, reducing pain and slowing the progression of arthritis. The bone is then stabilized with plates and screws to heal in the new position.
Rehabilitation after HTO is crucial for a successful outcome and involves a structured physical therapy program. Initially, the patient may need to use crutches and avoid putting weight on the operated leg to allow the bone to heal. Gradually, weight-bearing is increased as guided by the surgeon. Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, reducing swelling, and strengthening the muscles around the knee to support the joint. Rehabilitation also includes balance and proprioception exercises to improve joint stability. Full recovery can take several months, with most patients returning to normal activities within 6 to 12 months, although high-impact activities may need to be limited to prevent further knee damage.
F&Q'sHigh Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure used to treat knee arthritis, particularly in the medial compartment, by realigning the knee joint. This is achieved by cutting and reshaping the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) to shift the weight-bearing load away from the damaged area of the knee to healthier cartilage.
HTO is typically indicated for patients with knee osteoarthritis, especially those with isolated medial compartment arthritis. Symptoms include persistent knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced function that affects daily activities, despite conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections.
During HTO, the surgeon makes a controlled cut in the upper tibia and either removes or adds a wedge of bone to change the alignment of the knee joint. This realignment shifts the weight-bearing load from the damaged cartilage to healthier areas. The bone is then secured with plates and screws to allow it to heal in the new position.
Recovery from HTO involves a period of non-weight-bearing or limited weight-bearing on the operated leg, followed by a gradual return to full weight-bearing as the bone heals. Physical therapy is crucial to restore strength, range of motion, and function. Full recovery can take several months, with most patients returning to normal activities within 6 to 12 months.
Potential risks and complications of HTO include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, nonunion or delayed healing of the bone, and the possibility of needing further surgery in the future, such as a total knee replacement if arthritis progresses.
The long-term prognosis for patients undergoing HTO is generally positive, with many experiencing significant pain relief and improved knee function. The success of the procedure depends on factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, and the extent of the arthritis. HTO can delay the need for a total knee replacement and allow patients to maintain a more active lifestyle.