Reconversion osteotomy of the knee

In the case of the knee, too, a surgical repositioning osteotomy only needs to be performed in the event of severe malpositioning. Mostly, however, after implantation of a total knee endoprosthesis, in which the leg axes as well as the leg length can (must) be corrected. It should not be forgotten that severe malalignments inevitably lead to arthrosis in the joint concerned, so that in severe cases it is almost always necessary to insert an endoprosthesis.

In addition to joint malpositions that have developed over the years, congenital joint malpositions are also an indication for a repositioning osteotomy. A somewhat rarer indication is the repositioning osteotomy after accidents. However, slight axial corrections after severe bone fractures, for example, are common.

Transitional osteotomy of the lower leg

Adjustment osteotomies in the lower leg region are always considered as a surgical therapy procedure when a correction of leg malpositions (bow legs/knees due to odd healed bone fractures or congenital malpositions) is to be performed. Axis malpositions existing over a longer period of time can lead to incorrect loading in the knee joint, which in the course of time can lead to wear and tear of the knee joint cartilage and thus to painful knee joint arthrosis. To avoid or delay artificial knee joint replacement in advanced stages of arthrosis, a repositioning osteotomy to correct the knock-knees or bow legs can be considered as an option.

During the operation, which takes place under general anesthesia, the tibia bone near the knee joint is sawed through transversely to the mutual bone margin and in a further step is opened up until the desired or calculated axial position is reached. This position is then fixed with screws and plates and, if necessary, the sawing gap is filled with autologous bone material (usually from the iliac crest). After the operation, the operated leg may only be partially loaded for about 6 weeks, the metal plate is removed after about a year.