What is high tibial osteotomy?
High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure of realigning knee joints. The method corrects the bow leg and reduces pain by distributing the weight-bearing forces concentrated on a medial side of the knee joint to the outer side of the knee.
Why should I receive high tibial osteotomy?
• High tibial osteotomy reduces pain and corrects deformed joints instead of replacing them with the artificial joints.
• The method corrects the abnormal axis of the lower limbs and distributes the weight-bearing forces to a healthy articular surface.
• Physical appearance may also be a reason for having a high tibial osteotomy.
• As the degree of bowing increases over time, joint degeneration accelerates and leads to degenerative arthritis. High tibial osteotomy can prevent the acceleration of joint degeneration.
What is the cause of bow legs?
Many times bow legs result from an acquired cause, such as incorrect posture, sedentary lifestyle, crossing legs, abnormal walking habits, and wearing high heel shoes.
High tibial osteotomy
Maximization of effectiveness through joint treatment and osteotomy
• Effective treatment for active and young people
• Effective treatment for arthritis, meniscus damage, and stem cell treatment
• Slows down the progression of arthritis
• Delays or prevents the need for artificial joint surgery
The surgical method of high tibial osteotomy
High tibial osteotomy operates on the tibia (shinbone). The method removes a wedge of the upper area of the tibia until the bone lies flat with a metal plate and straightens the leg. Then, bone grafting fixes the damaged area.
Self-diagnosis of bow legs
Stand straight with the big toes and medial malleolus — the bump on the inner side of the ankle — touching each other. If there is a gap between the knees and the knee caps are pointing inwards, you may have bow legs.
Before (left) and After(right) High Tibial Osteotomy
Recovery after surgery
We provide rehabilitation treatments to recover the joint movements and strengthen the muscles after the surgery. Patients should crutch for 2 to 4 weeks.
High tibial osteotomy does not operate on the knee joint. Hence, the procedure preserves the range of joint motion and allows patients to reengage in sports activities.
Effectiveness after surgery
High tibial osteotomy evenly distributes the weight, and thereby relieving the pain and preventing the progression of arthritis. A patient may notice the operated becoming longer as the bow leg is corrected.
How to prevent bow legs
• Do not cross legs
• Avoid wearing high heels when walking or standing for a long time
• Maintain a correct posture