High tibial osteotomy surgery

What is High Tibial Surgery?

High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure used to treat knee arthritis, especially in younger, active patients. It involves reshaping the upper part of the shin bone (tibia) to shift weight away from the damaged part of the knee joint. This helps relieve pain, improve function, and delay the need for knee replacement surgery.

Who Needs High Tibial Osteotomy?

HTO surgery may be recommended if:
👉 You have early-stage osteoarthritis affecting one side of your knee (usually the inner side)
👉 You are active and want to preserve your natural knee joint
👉 You have a bow-legged deformity (varus alignment) causing uneven pressure on the knee
👉 Other treatments (medication, physiotherapy, injections) have not provided relief

How is HTO Surgery Done?

  • The surgeon makes a precise cut in the tibia and either adds or removes a small wedge of bone.

  • The bone is then realigned to shift body weight to the healthier part of the knee.

  • The bone is fixed with a metal plate and screws to allow proper healing.

  • The surgery is performed under regional or general anesthesia.

Benefits of High Tibial Osteotomy

✅ Reduces knee pain and improves walking ability
✅ Preserves the natural knee joint
✅ Delays or avoids total knee replacement
✅ Allows return to an active lifestyle

Recovery After HTO Surgery

  • Hospital stay: Usually 2-3 days

  • Weight bearing: Partial weight bearing with crutches initially

  • Physiotherapy: Essential for restoring strength and movement

  • Full recovery: Around 3-6 months depending on individual healing

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