A procedure in which the femur is cut and repositioned to correct abnormal alignment around the hip or knee. Used in both paediatric and adult patients as part of joint preservation surgery.
(03) 9573 9659
A femoral osteotomy involves cutting and repositioning the femur to correct abnormal alignment or deformity around the hip. It is used in both paediatric and adult patients as part of joint preservation surgery, either as a standalone procedure or in combination with other operations such as periacetabular osteotomy.
The femur is cut at a planned level and repositioned to correct the specific deformity. The bone is held in its new position with a plate and screws while it heals, which typically takes six to twelve weeks. The implant may remain permanently or be removed at a later stage if it causes discomfort.
Proximal femoral osteotomy corrects abnormal version (rotation) or angle of the femoral neck that is contributing to impingement, instability or abnormal joint loading. It may be performed alongside a PAO when both the socket and femur require correction, or as a standalone procedure when the deformity is primarily on the femoral side.
It is also used to manage residual deformity from paediatric hip conditions including Perthes disease and SUFE. Capital realignment, a specific type of femoral osteotomy used in SUFE, is discussed in detail on the SUFE page.
Recovery involves protected weight-bearing for six to twelve weeks while the bone heals, followed by physiotherapy and a gradual return to activity over the following months. Full return to sport and demanding activity generally takes six to twelve months depending on the extent of the procedure.
(03) 9573 9659
Mr Balakumar is one of a small number of surgeons in Australia with formal training in both paediatric and adult hip surgery. His fellowship at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital in Boston, under some of the world’s leading specialists in hip preservation, gives him a depth of expertise that is difficult to find in a single practice.
His approach is the same whether the patient is 6 months or 65 years old – thorough assessment, honest options, and no pressure toward surgery until the clinical picture clearly supports it.
(03) 9573 9659
The gold standard surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in adolescents and adults with preserved joint cartilage. Mr Balakumar trained in this technically demanding procedure at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital Boston.
An alternative to total hip replacement in which the femoral head is capped rather than removed. Suitable for a carefully selected group of younger, active patients with end-stage hip arthritis.
An open procedure allowing complete access to all surfaces of the hip joint. Used for complex conditions that cannot be adequately addressed through arthroscopy alone.
Keyhole surgery to treat impingement, labral tears and a range of other hip conditions. Mr Balakumar is fellowship trained in hip arthroscopy and performs labral repair and reconstruction as required.
Melbourne Orthopaedic Group is home to a team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons, providing comprehensive care for sports injuries and orthopaedic conditions. Whether it’s joint replacement or sports injuries, our specialists provide comprehensive orthopaedic care.
