What is Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, affecting daily activities. It primarily occurs due to the degeneration of articular cartilage, the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones in the joint. Over time, due to aging or injury, this cartilage wears down, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and discomfort. Since articular cartilage lacks the ability to heal itself, medical intervention is often required.

What is a Knee Osteotomy?

A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at treating knee arthritis by reducing pain and improving joint function. It is typically performed on younger, active patients who have arthritis affecting only one side of the knee.

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Knee and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, specializes in performing knee osteotomies to help patients relieve chronic pain and stiffness.

Types of Knee Osteotomy

• High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO): A wedge of bone is removed from the upper tibia (shinbone) to realign the knee joint and shift weight away from the damaged area, reducing pain.
• Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO): A wedge of bone is removed from the lower femur (thighbone) to redistribute weight and relieve pressure on the affected side.
• Closing Wedge Osteotomy: A bone wedge is removed from the outside of the knee, and the gap is closed to realign the joint.
• Opening Wedge Osteotomy: A bone graft is inserted into the inside of the knee to create a wedge, with plates and screws securing the new structure.

Benefits and Considerations

• Effectiveness: Significantly reduces pain and improves knee function, allowing patients to return to daily activities.
• Duration: Helps delay the need for total knee replacement by 8-10 years.
• Suitability: Best for younger, active individuals with localized cartilage damage. Not recommended for widespread arthritis.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

After a knee osteotomy, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Dr. Khaleel and his team provide detailed post-operative care and a customized rehabilitation plan to ensure optimal recovery.

Conclusion

For those suffering from knee arthritis and looking to delay total knee replacement, a knee osteotomy performed by Dr. Khaleel at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India can provide significant pain relief and improved knee function, helping patients maintain an active lifestyle.