In short
- Realigning the leg to take pressure off a worn knee, and delay or avoid a knee replacement.
- Treats: Arthritis on the inner side of the knee; Bow legs causing knee pain; Knee pain in younger, active adults.
- Video works well to review your X-rays and decide whether an osteotomy is worth considering..
- Treated by Dr. Yash S. Shah, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), at Bodyline Hospital, Paldi, Ahmedabad.
High tibial osteotomy (knee realignment)
It is mainly for younger, active patients, and can delay the need for a knee replacement.
Realigning the leg to take pressure off a worn knee, and delay or avoid a knee replacement.
What it treats
- Arthritis on the inner side of the knee
- Bow legs causing knee pain
- Knee pain in younger, active adults
Common symptoms
- Pain on the inner side of the knee
- Bowing of the legs
- Pain that is worse after walking or standing for long
High tibial osteotomy: when to see a doctor
- You are under about 60 and have been told you have early knee arthritis
- Your legs are bowed and your knees hurt
- You want to know if you can avoid a knee replacement for now
High tibial osteotomy: treatment options
Assessment with long-leg X-rays
To measure the alignment of your leg and see which part of the knee is worn.
Osteotomy
The shin bone is carefully cut and realigned, then held with a plate while it heals.
Other options
If the whole knee is worn, a partial or total knee replacement may suit you better.
High tibial osteotomy: recovery
You will use crutches for some weeks while the bone heals, followed by physiotherapy.
Who treats you
Dr. Yash S. Shah consults and operates at Bodyline Hospital, Paldi. He trained in joint replacement and arthroscopy in Mumbai, and at NYU Langone, New York and Johns Hopkins, Baltimore.
Consultation room, Bodyline Hospital, Paldi 
At the NYU Langone joint replacement centre, New York 
During international training
Video or clinic?
Video works well to review your X-rays and decide whether an osteotomy is worth considering.
Video consultation fee ₹1,000.
Questions
Is an osteotomy better than a knee replacement?
They suit different people. An osteotomy keeps your own knee and suits younger, active patients with arthritis in one part of the knee.
This page is general information to help you understand your options. It is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.