What is an osteotomy?

An osteotomy is a surgery where your bone is carefully cut and realigned to improve how it works or to reduce discomfort. It’s often done on areas like the jaw, hips, knees, legs, toes or feet.

This procedure can help fix alignment issues, relieve discomfort and improve movement. Your surgeon will choose the best approach for your specific needs to help you feel better and move more easily.

Osteotomies are most commonly done to treat knee problems, reshape the hip (femoral osteotomy) or correct bunions on the foot (distal or proximal osteotomy).

Osteotomy patient enjoying her life outside after recovering from surgery

Why might I need an osteotomy?

You might need an osteotomy if you have bone or joint issues that affect your movement, cause pain or limit your daily activities. This surgical procedure is used to cut and realign bones to improve how they function, relieve discomfort and prevent further damage.

Osteotomies are commonly used for:

  • Correcting bone deformities: Conditions like bowlegs or knock knees can put extra stress on your joints and lead to long-term damage. An osteotomy can realign the bones to reduce strain and improve alignment.
  • Relieving arthritis pain: In cases of early-stage osteoarthritis, an osteotomy can shift weight away from the damaged part of the joint to a healthier area, helping to relieve discomfort and improve mobility.
  • Repairing improperly healed fractures: If a broken bone has healed incorrectly, it can cause alignment problems. An osteotomy can adjust the bone to ensure it heals correctly.
  • Improving joint function: In cases where joint alignment affects your ability to move comfortably, an osteotomy can help restore proper function.
  • Delaying or avoiding joint replacement: For younger or active people, an osteotomy can be an alternative to joint replacement, preserving the natural joint while addressing the issue.

Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your condition.

How to prepare for osteotomy surgery

In the weeks leading up to the osteotomy, your orthopedic surgeon may send you for blood, urine, cardiac and imaging tests to ensure you’re healthy enough to have surgery. These tests can check for infection, control of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, and proper organ function. Your orthopedic surgeon may want to take pictures of the affected joint with an X-ray or CT scan to help plan the surgery.

As the surgery approaches, you can help the process go safely and smoothly. Be sure to:

Eat or drink as directed

Follow your orthopedic surgeon’s instructions for eating, drinking and taking medications in the hours before surgery.

The osteotomy procedure

Osteotomies differ based on the reason for and goal of the surgery, the affected joint and the type of surgery to be performed. You’ll receive anesthesia to help you stay comfortable during the surgery. The surgeon will make an incision and cut or remove bone according to the surgical plan. Afterward, you’ll likely spend at least one day in the hospital before going home to continue your recovery.

What are the risks of an osteotomy?

The risk of complications from osteotomy is low. Your surgical team will take steps to perform the surgery as smoothly and safely as possible. Like any operation, however, this surgery can lead to complications.

Some possible complications include:

  • Anesthesia-related complications
  • Blood clots
  • Failure of the bones to heal, which may require a second surgery
  • Infection
  • Injuries to your nerves or blood vessels
  • Joint pain or stiffness

Osteotomy recovery

Your recovery after an osteotomy depends on the type of surgery, how much bone damage there was and your overall health. It takes time for the bone to heal, and you may feel some soreness at the surgery site.

You’ll likely need a cast, splint or crutches to limit movement and keep weight off the affected bone. This support is usually needed for a few weeks to a few months. You may need crutches for a few months for knee or hip surgeries.

Physical therapy usually begins soon after surgery, even if you’re in a cast or splint. It helps improve joint strength and movement, and it’s key to regaining balance and flexibility.

Follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and progress. Your doctor will check how the surgery is healing and help track your recovery.

patient recovering from a Osteotomy surgery and discussing with a doctor

Frequently asked questions

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