Summary | Conversion osteotomy

Summary

Conversion osteotomies are corrective operations of skeletal joints that may become necessary if orthopedic-technical measures such as insoles do not bring about any improvement or if the malpositions are so severe that they cause pain and severely impair the patient. Most frequently, repositioning osteotomies of the large foot toe (hallux valgus) are performed as well as in the context of a hip or knee TEP implantation. As a rule, corrective osteotomies are performed in such a way that the defective bones are separated from each other at a joint.

Skewed edges caused by the malposition are straightened with a saw and the new joint edges are put back together. The joint must then be immobilized for 6-12 weeks. The load should be built up slowly.

The indication for an osteotomy is determined by measuring the axis and angle on the patient. In addition, prior to surgery, appropriate x-rays are taken, in which the axes to be corrected are drawn in again. In most cases, corrective osteotomies are performed in one-time procedures.

However, severe malpositions often require two operations. In the first procedure, a so-called fixator is attached externally to the outside of the leg, which should lead to increased stability of the newly created axis. These metal rods are then left in place for a few weeks and then removed again in a second operation.

After a repositioning osteotomy, a control x-ray should be taken to check the course and necessity of a corrective operation. The chances of success of a corrective osteotomy vary greatly. A hallux valgus osteotomy, for example, is considered more strenuous, while osteotomies after TEP implantation cause fewer problems.