Learn about Knee Osteotomy surgery, including the procedure, recovery timeline, and rehabilitation process. Discover how Palms Physiotherapy can assist with pre-habilitation and post-operative recovery through personalized rehabilitation programs, utilizing our state-of-the-art therapy gym.

Knee Osteotomy: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Knee Osteotomy?

Knee Osteotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting misalignments in the knee joint, often due to conditions such as osteoarthritis or joint deformities. The surgery involves reshaping the bone to relieve pressure on the damaged part of the knee, redistributing the load across the joint. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis, meaning the damage is limited to one side (medial or lateral) of the knee, and for those who are not yet suitable candidates for total knee replacement.

There are two main types of knee osteotomy:

• High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO): Often performed for medial compartment arthritis, this involves cutting and reshaping the tibia (shinbone).

• Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO): Performed for lateral compartment arthritis, this involves reshaping the femur (thighbone).

Conditions Treated with Knee Osteotomy

• Osteoarthritis (OA): In the early to middle stages, when the joint damage is limited to one compartment.

• Unicompartmental Arthritis: When arthritis affects either the medial or lateral side of the knee.

• Deformities or Misalignment: When a person’s knee joint is out of alignment due to congenital conditions or traumatic injury.

• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis following a previous knee injury that affects one side of the knee joint.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Before undergoing knee osteotomy surgery, your doctor will evaluate the extent of damage using X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.

   • Pre-surgical physical therapy may be recommended to help improve knee strength and range of motion and prepare the body for surgery.

2. During the Procedure:

   • The surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia.

   • The surgeon makes an incision to access the knee joint, reshapes the bones (either the tibia or femur, depending on the type of osteotomy), and realigns the joint to reduce pressure on the affected side.

   • If necessary, a metal plate and screws are used to stabilize the bone during healing.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After the surgery, you will be monitored for pain management and initial recovery. The use of ice, elevation, and medications will be part of the process to manage swelling and pain.

   • The hospital stay typically lasts 1-2 days, depending on your recovery and general health.

Healing and Recovery Time

• Initial Recovery (Week 1):

  • The first week after surgery is focused on pain management and reducing swelling. You may need to use crutches or a walker to assist with mobility.

  • A compression bandage or brace may be used to stabilize the knee and encourage proper alignment during the early stages of recovery.

• Early Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

  • By Week 2, you will gradually start physical therapy to improve the range of motion and strength of the knee. Weight-bearing activities may begin, depending on the surgeon’s instructions.

  • Swelling and discomfort will begin to reduce, and you will continue to work on improving knee flexibility.

• Intermediate Recovery (1-3 Months):

  • 1-3 months post-surgery, patients typically experience increased range of motion, strength, and ability to walk without crutches or braces.

  • Physical therapy during this phase will focus on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, all of which support the knee joint.

• Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

  • Full recovery can take 3-6 months, with continued rehabilitation efforts to improve knee function, strength, and endurance.

  • By 6 months, most patients are able to resume light-to-moderate activity, including walking, cycling, and swimming, though high-impact activities (e.g., running, jumping) should be avoided for at least a year.

Rehabilitation After Knee Osteotomy

The rehabilitation process after knee osteotomy is crucial to achieving the best possible recovery, and Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health offers specialized support throughout this journey. Our rehabilitation gym and tailored therapy services are designed to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.

1. Pre-Habilitation:

   • Our team helps prepare your knee before surgery by strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, improving flexibility, and addressing any balance issues.

   • This proactive approach helps reduce the risk of complications post-surgery and leads to faster recovery.

2. Postoperative Rehabilitation:

   • After surgery, our experienced physiotherapists will guide you through a personalized rehabilitation program, focusing on restoring strength, flexibility, and function.

   • Phase 1 (Weeks 1-2): Pain management, swelling reduction, and gentle exercises to regain knee motion.

   • Phase 2 (Weeks 2-6): Gradual introduction of weight-bearing exercises and strengthening of key muscles, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.

   • Phase 3 (Months 1-3): Focus on improving flexibility, strength, and endurance with low-impact activities like cycling, walking, and swimming.

   • Phase 4 (Months 3-6): More advanced exercises to restore full range of motion and improve stability, such as functional training, stair climbing, and balance exercises.

   • Phase 5 (6 Months to 1 Year): Advanced rehabilitation to help you regain full function, focusing on returning to higher levels of activity, while avoiding high-impact stress on the knee.

3. Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

   • State-of-the-Art Equipment: Our rehabilitation gym is equipped with cutting-edge equipment designed for post-surgical recovery. You will have access to specialized machines that help with strengthening, flexibility, and overall mobility.

   • Personalized Programs: Each recovery program is tailored to meet your needs, based on your specific surgery and recovery goals. This includes progressive strength training, balance exercises, and flexibility workouts.

   • Aquatic Therapy: We also offer aquatic therapy options for patients looking for low-impact ways to improve strength and flexibility. Water therapy reduces strain on the knee joint, providing a gentle environment for healing.

   • Motivational Environment: We prioritize creating a comfortable and motivating space to help you achieve your rehabilitation goals. Our team is dedicated to providing the support you need for optimal recovery.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments:

   • We will continuously assess your progress and adjust the rehabilitation plan to ensure that you’re healing correctly and achieving your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the recovery time for knee osteotomy?

• Full recovery from knee osteotomy generally takes 3-6 months, but final healing can take up to 1 year. The first 3 months are focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and function.

2. Can I return to sports after knee osteotomy?

• While low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking are encouraged after 3 months, high-impact sports (e.g., running, jumping) should be avoided for at least 6-12 months.

3. How long will I need crutches after surgery?

• Most patients use crutches or a walker for the first 2-3 weeks post-surgery, and the exact timeline will depend on your recovery progress and your surgeon’s recommendations.

4. Is knee osteotomy a permanent solution?

• While knee osteotomy can provide significant relief and delay the need for total knee replacement, it may not be a permanent solution for all patients, particularly if osteoarthritis progresses in other parts of the knee.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in both pre-habilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation for knee osteotomy patients. Our team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes by providing:

• Preoperative strengthening to prepare your knee for surgery.

• Postoperative rehabilitation that includes personalized therapy in our fully-equipped rehabilitation gym.

• Long-term support to ensure the best possible recovery and help you regain full functionality of your knee joint.

Reputable Australian Resources

1. Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)

   • Trusted information on post-surgical rehabilitation for knee osteotomy.

   • https://australian.physio/

2. Better Health Channel (Victoria)

   • Comprehensive guide on knee osteotomy surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation.

   • https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

3. HealthDirect Australia

   • Reliable information about knee osteotomy surgery, risks, and recovery tips.

   • https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

Contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

If you or a loved one is considering knee osteotomy surgery, or recovering from the procedure, reach out to us for expert physiotherapy support. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way.