HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY
A high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure performed on the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) to address certain knee conditions, typically when there is excessive load or pressure on one side of the knee. This procedure is commonly used to treat medial compartment osteoarthritis, where the inner side of the knee joint experiences more wear and tear than the outer side
Procedure
Preparation :- The patient is usually placed under general or regional anesthesia for the surgery.
Incision :- An incision is made on the upper part of the tibia to access the bone.
Bone Cut :- The surgeon makes a carefully planned cut in the upper part of the tibia. The location and angle of this cut depend on the specific condition being treated and the desired realignment of the knee joint.
Repositioning :- The cut section of the tibia is then repositioned to correct the alignment of the knee joint. This repositioning shifts the weight-bearing load from the damaged side of the knee to the healthier side.
Fixation :- To maintain the corrected alignment, the surgeon uses screws, plates, or other fixation devices to stabilize the repositioned bone.
Closure :- Once the bone is secured in its new position, the incision is closed with stitches or staples.
Indications for High Tibial Osteotomy
Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis :- This procedure is often recommended for patients with osteoarthritis predominantly affecting the medial (inner) compartment of the knee joint.
Varus Alignment :- HTO is suitable for individuals with varus alignment, where the knee bows inward, leading to increased stress on the inner side of the joint.
Unicompartmental Arthritis :- When arthritis primarily affects one compartment of the knee, especially the medial compartment.
Advantages
Preservation of Joint :- HTO aims to preserve the natural knee joint by redistributing weight-bearing forces.
Delay of Joint Replacement :- By correcting the alignment and redistributing forces, HTO can potentially delay the need for total knee replacement surgery.
Improvement in Symptoms :- Patients often experience relief from pain and improved function following a successful high tibial osteotomy.
