At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide comprehensive care to support you both before and after surgery or procedure. Learn about tibial osteotomy surgery, including the procedure, recovery timeline, and rehabilitation. Discover how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can help with your recovery through tailored therapy and rehabilitation programs. Let us guide you through every step of your journey with personalised care and proven results.

Tibial Osteotomy: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Tibial Osteotomy?

A tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat knee pain, particularly caused by arthritis or misalignment of the tibia (shin bone). The surgery involves cutting and reshaping the tibia to realign the knee joint. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with knee osteoarthritis, especially those with varus (bow-legged) or valgus (knock-kneed) deformities, where one part of the knee experiences more stress than the other.

The primary goal of a tibial osteotomy is to redistribute weight across the knee joint, alleviating pain and improving function. In some cases, it may help delay the need for total knee replacement surgery.

Conditions Leading to Tibial Osteotomy

• Knee osteoarthritis, where one side of the knee joint is more affected than the other.

• Malalignment of the knee joint (varus or valgus deformities).

• Post-traumatic deformities resulting from fractures or other knee injuries.

• Unicompartmental knee arthritis, where one side of the knee is primarily affected.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Before the surgery, the surgeon will perform a clinical assessment, including imaging (X-rays or MRIs), to evaluate the alignment of the knee and determine the best approach.

   • If necessary, prehabilitation exercises may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint prior to surgery, which can help speed up the recovery process.

2. During the Procedure:

   • Tibial osteotomy is generally performed under general anesthesia and can be done through a minimally invasive approach or traditional open surgery.

   • The surgeon will make an incision over the affected area of the tibia, carefully cut and reposition the bone to realign the knee joint, and use plates and screws to hold the bone in the new position while it heals.

   • In some cases, the surgeon may also perform additional procedures, such as removing damaged cartilage or bone spurs, to improve knee function.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After the surgery, you will be monitored in the hospital for 1-2 days to ensure there are no complications and that pain is well-managed.

   • Crutches or a knee brace will be recommended to prevent weight-bearing on the operated leg during the initial recovery period.

   • Ice and elevation will be important in the first few days to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Healing and Recovery Time

• Initial Recovery (Week 1):

  • The first few days after surgery will focus on managing pain and swelling. You will be encouraged to begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness.

  • Crutches will be used for mobility to avoid placing weight on the operated leg.

  • Pain relief medications will be prescribed to ensure comfort during the early stages of recovery.

• Early Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

  • Gradual weight-bearing exercises will be introduced, and physical therapy will focus on gentle strengthening of the muscles around the knee.

  • Range-of-motion exercises will continue to improve flexibility and mobility in the knee joint.

  • You may start to transition to walking with support, using crutches for mobility as needed.

• Intermediate Recovery (1-3 Months):

  • As healing progresses, the rehabilitation program will focus on rebuilding strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.

  • Functional exercises will help improve knee stability, allowing you to move more freely.

  • You may gradually return to more weight-bearing activities, depending on your progress.

• Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

  • Full recovery typically takes 3-6 months, with continued focus on strengthening and functional mobility.

  • Higher-intensity exercises and return to more active pursuits, such as walking and low-impact sports, may be possible after 6 months.

  • Post-recovery, the patient will continue with a maintenance program to ensure lasting knee health.

Rehabilitation After Tibial Osteotomy

Recovery from tibial osteotomy is an important process that requires a structured rehabilitation program. The aim of rehabilitation is to restore mobility, strength, and function to the knee joint.

1. Prehabilitation:

   • Before the surgery, prehabilitation exercises are encouraged to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. This can help make the recovery process smoother and more effective.

   • Key exercises include quadriceps, hamstring, and calf muscle strengthening, along with mobility exercises for the knee.

2. Postoperative Rehabilitation:

   • After surgery, your rehabilitation program at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health will be carefully tailored to your recovery needs.

3. Phase 1: Early Recovery (Week 1-6)

   • Focus will be on managing pain and swelling with methods like manual therapy, ice, and elevation.

   • Gentle range-of-motion exercises will start immediately after surgery to maintain knee flexibility.

   • Early weight-bearing exercises will be introduced with the help of crutches and mobility aids.

4. Phase 2: Strengthening and Mobility (Week 6-12)

   • Gradual progression towards strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings will take place to support the knee joint and improve function.

   • Functional mobility exercises such as step-ups, leg lifts, and walking will help restore knee stability and strength.

   • Balance and coordination exercises will also be added as you progress to improve overall lower-limb function.

5. Phase 3: Return to Activity (3-6 Months)

   • As the knee heals, the rehabilitation program will focus on higher-intensity exercises, such as lunges and squats, to restore full functionality.

   • Strength training will increase as you prepare to return to more strenuous activities.

   • Exercises to improve joint stability and mobility will continue to help you regain full strength in your knee.

6. Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

   • Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health offers a state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym, designed to support your recovery through a wide range of exercises. Our gym is equipped with advanced equipment such as resistance machines, treadmills, and balance tools.

   • Our team of physiotherapists will work with you one-on-one, guiding you through each stage of your recovery. From prehabilitation before surgery to rehabilitation after surgery, we are here to support your healing process.

7. Ongoing Monitoring and Support:

   • Throughout your recovery, we will monitor your progress to ensure you are meeting your rehabilitation goals. Adjustments will be made as needed, and we will provide continual support to ensure the best outcomes for your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long will it take to recover from tibial osteotomy surgery?

• Recovery typically takes 3-6 months, with initial recovery taking place in the first few weeks and full recovery after several months of rehabilitation.

2. Will I need crutches after tibial osteotomy surgery?

• Yes, crutches will be used to assist with mobility and to prevent weight-bearing on the operated leg for at least 1-2 weeks.

3. When can I return to physical activities after tibial osteotomy?

• You may gradually return to low-impact activities after 3-6 months. High-impact activities may take additional time, depending on your recovery.

4. What should I avoid during recovery from tibial osteotomy surgery?

• Avoid heavy lifting, high-impact sports, and overloading the knee joint until you have fully recovered and have received clearance from your physiotherapist or surgeon.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in helping patients recover from tibial osteotomy through a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Our team of expert physiotherapists will guide you through each stage of recovery, focusing on restoring strength, stability, and function in your knee joint.

Our rehabilitation gym is equipped with cutting-edge equipment to support your recovery process, and we provide a personalized approach to ensure that your rehabilitation is tailored to your needs. Whether you are preparing for surgery or recovering after, we are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.