Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones to correct deformities, improve alignment, or relieve pressure on joints. It is commonly performed in orthopedic surgery to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, congenital deformities, and fractures that have healed improperly. This technique aims to restore normal bone structure and function, potentially alleviating pain and preventing the progression of joint damage.
OSTEOTOMY
OSTEOTOMY
Types of Osteotomy
1. Closing Wedge Osteotomy
- Description: Involves removing a wedge-shaped section of bone to narrow the gap and change the alignment of the bone.
- Purpose: Corrects angular deformities and realigns bones to improve joint function.
2. Opening Wedge Osteotomy
- Description: Involves creating a wedge-shaped gap in the bone to widen the gap and change the alignment of the bone.
- Purpose: Used to correct alignment issues and redistribute weight-bearing forces.
3. Crescentic Osteotomy
- Description: A curved or crescent-shaped section of bone is removed to change the alignment.
- Purpose: Useful for addressing specific deformities by altering bone curvature.
4. Rotation Osteotomy
- Description: The bone is cut and rotated to correct rotational deformities.
- Purpose: Corrects torsional deformities and restores proper bone alignment.
Benefits of Osteotomy
- Joint Preservation: Helps preserve the natural joint by redistributing forces and delaying the progression of joint degeneration.
- Pain Relief: Correcting bone alignment can alleviate pain and improve joint function, allowing patients to resume normal activities.
- Avoidance of Joint Replacement: In some cases, osteotomy can delay or eliminate the need for more invasive procedures like joint replacement surgery.
Osteotomy is a valuable surgical technique in orthopedics for correcting bone deformities, improving joint alignment, and preserving joint function. It offers significant benefits in pain relief and functional improvement, particularly in younger patients with early-stage joint damage or malalignment issues. Like any surgical procedure, careful patient selection, precise surgical technique, and comprehensive postoperative care are essential for achieving successful outcomes. Consulting with an experienced orthopedic surgeon is crucial to determine if osteotomy is the appropriate treatment option for individual needs.