A procedure in which the femur is cut and repositioned to correct abnormal leg alignment and redistribute load away from the damaged compartment. A joint preservation option for younger, active patients with single-compartment arthritis.
(03) 9573 9659
Femoral osteotomy around the knee corrects abnormal leg alignment by making a controlled cut in the distal femur and repositioning it to shift load away from the damaged compartment. It is a joint preservation procedure for younger, active patients with single-compartment knee arthritis and associated leg mal-alignment, aimed at delaying or avoiding the need for knee replacement.
A cut is made in the lower femur at a planned level, and the bone is repositioned to achieve the required correction of alignment. 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 usually remains in place permanently, though it may be removed at a later stage if it causes discomfort.
The most common indication for distal femoral osteotomy around the knee is lateral compartment arthritis with valgus (knock-knee) deformity. For medial compartment disease with varus (bow-leg) deformity, a high tibial osteotomy may be the more appropriate procedure and is also available.
Femoral osteotomy is most appropriate for younger, active patients with arthritis confined to one compartment, a correctable deformity, intact ligaments and preserved range of motion. Patients who are significantly overweight or who have inflammatory arthritis are generally not suitable candidates. The procedure is most effective when cartilage loss is early to moderate rather than advanced.
Protected weight-bearing is required for six to twelve weeks while the osteotomy heals. Physiotherapy supports muscle strengthening and a gradual return to activity. Return to full sport and demanding activity generally takes six to twelve months.
In appropriately selected patients, femoral and tibial osteotomies can significantly reduce pain, improve function and extend the period before knee replacement is required. Long-term outcomes depend on the accuracy of the correction, the health of the preserved cartilage and the demands placed on the knee over time.
(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
Keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat a range of knee conditions including meniscal tears, cartilage lesions and loose bodies. Most patients return home the same day with a faster recovery than open surgery.
Replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee, preserving healthy tissue and the cruciate ligaments. Suitable for patients with arthritis confined to a single compartment, with a faster recovery than total replacement.
Removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replaces them with prosthetic components. One of the most reliably successful operations in orthopaedic surgery for patients with advanced knee arthritis.
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.
