Knee osteotomy or axis correction of the knee or tilt surgery

DR. DEPAEPE

1. WHAT

A tibial osteotomy is a procedure on the lower leg just below the knee that is performed to correct the axis of the lower limb ('osteotomy' means 'cutting the bone').

With a normal “straight” knee, the load on the knee runs through the middle of the knee. If there are axis deviations, the axis of load runs too much inwards (O-leg) or too much outwards (X-leg).

Patients with axis abnormalities in the legs can develop premature cartilage wear or osteoarthritis on the inside of the knee (bow-legs) or on the outside of the knee (x-legs).

The purpose of an osteotomy is to reduce pressure on the painful side of the knee (usually the inner compartment). By correcting the axis of the lower leg (tibia), the force shifts to the non-painful side of the knee where the cartilage is still intact. This intervention can slow down the evolution towards further wear and tear.

2. CAUSE of the axle deviation

• A congenital axis abnormality, often increased by premature cartilage wear.
• Previous surgery: e.g. complete removal of the inner or outer meniscus.
• A previous fracture that has healed in an abnormal position.

3. INDICATIONS FOR INTERVENTION

• Early osteoarthritis of one part (or compartment) of the knee in patients with an axis deviation. This means that the other parts (compartments) of the knee are completely undamaged.
• Young (< 60 jaar), actieve patiënten (fysiek werk, sporters), waarbij plaatsen van een knie prothese nog te vroeg is. Soms kan op die manier de leeftijd voor het plaatsen van een prothese uitgesteld worden.

4. RESEARCH

• Radiography of the knee.
• Radiography of the entire leg (full leg) to measure the leg axis.
• Arthro CT scan or MRI scan to document cartilage damage.
• Unloader brace. Usually, a special knee brace is worn before the operation that can imitate the effect of the operation. This unloader brace will reduce the pressure in the affected compartment of the knee and transfer the pressure to the healthy compartment of the knee. If patients achieve a good result with this special unloader brace, they are good candidates for the operation.

5. THE OPERATION

During the procedure, a surgical fracture is created in the leg in a controlled manner.

Vervolgens wordt deze breuk gebruikt om de as van het onderste lidmaat te corrigeren tot de gewenste stand. De breuk kan worden opengerekt langs één zijde (=opening wedge osteotomie) of er kan een driehoekige spie of wedge worden verwijderd met nadien sluiten van de breuk (=closing wedge osteotomie).

After repeated checks with the RX device, the created fracture is secured with a plate and screws.

Which type of osteotomy is chosen depends on the type of axis deviation (o- or x-leg) and the location of the axis deviation (upper leg or lower leg).

ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITAL STAY

The procedure is performed via an overnight stay and can be performed via an epidural or short general anesthesia.

6. COMPLICATIONS

• Bleeding in the knee after osteotomy. Frequent ice applications can help with this.
• The wound sometimes remains sensitive for a long time after the osteotomy.
• A thrombosis or pulmonary embolism may occur. This risk is avoided by injections in the abdomen during the first period in which support is not possible.
• Infection of the wound or metal plate. Good wound care at home is essential!
• The removed bone does not heal after the osteotomy (e.g. in intensive smokers).
• After healing of the osteotomy, the plate can sometimes cause irritation. In these cases, the plate can be removed via a minor procedure.
• Damage from osteotomy surgery to structures around the knee, such as nerves or blood vessels; this is very rare.

7. REHABILITATION

The exercise therapy is intensive and long-lasting!

After the procedure, you may immediately move (bending and stretching) the knee.

For the first 3 weeks you are not allowed to lean on the operated leg and you must use crutches. You may rest a little on the operated leg for the next 3 weeks. All this will be taught to you by your physiotherapist who will carry out the rehabilitation according to a prescribed schedule. The advice for support will be adjusted based on radiography taken during the control consultation.

After complete healing of the bone, all activities are permitted, both heavy work and sports.

Expectations after an osteotomy

The aim of an osteotomy is to reduce pain in the knee, improve the function of the knee and postpone the placement of a knee prosthesis. The aim of the operation is never to restore your knee to its original state or to make your knee 20 years younger.

8. FACTS

• When can I shower? As soon as the wound is dry, a waterproof bandage can be applied, making showering possible!
• Sutures: the sutures can be removed 2 weeks after the procedure.
• Swelling in de eerste weken is volledig normaal. In sommige omstandigheden kan dit tot enkele maanden aanhouden. De zwelling kan verminderen door regelmatig ijs te leggen en uw been hoger te leggen.
• Numb feeling around scar. Because the skin around the knee is incised, some nerve branches inevitably have to be cut. This zone of numbness corrects and diminishes over a period of 2 years.
• Driving: this depends on the speed of your individual rehabilitation and recovery of muscle strength. Driving can normally be resumed around 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure if you have sufficient control over your operated leg. Please consult the conditions of your car insurance in advance.
• Work disability: This is very dependent on the job content and varies from 6 weeks to 9 months.
• Metal detectors at the airport: The metal detectors may indeed go off when you take the plane. However, the security services are used to this and quickly recognize it. You can always request an implant passport when you book a plane trip.
• How long does an osteotomy last? We try to bridge a period of 10 years with an osteotomy. This can sometimes be less with heavy loads. Placing a total knee prosthesis is always possible if the complaints increase.