Distal Femoral Osteotomy

🦵 What Is a Distal Femoral Osteotomy?

A Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO) is a surgical procedure used to realign the thighbone (femur) to shift weight away from a damaged or arthritic part of the knee joint. It’s mainly used when the damage is on the outer (lateral) side of the knee, often due to knock-kneed alignment (valgus deformity).

🛠️ How Is It Done?

• A wedge of bone is removed near the lower end of the femur (just above the knee).

• The bone is then realigned to create a straighter leg, helping shift weight onto the healthier part of the knee.

• The cut bone is held in place with a metal plate and screws.

🧑‍⚕️ Who Might Benefit?

DFO is typically offered to:

• Younger or active adults with arthritis or cartilage damage on the outer side of the knee

• People with knock-knee alignment (valgus deformity)

• Patients who want to delay or avoid a knee replacement

🕒 Recovery

• Hospital stay: 1–2 nights

• Crutches: Usually required for 6–8 weeks while the bone heals

• Physiotherapy: Starts early and continues for several months

• Return to low-impact activity: 3–6 months; full sports: often 6–12 months

🎯 Benefits

• Reduces pain by offloading the worn-out part of the joint

• Preserves your own knee and delays the need for joint replacement

• Helps maintain an active lifestyle in younger patients

⚠️ Risks and Considerations

• Surgical risks include but are not limited to infection, delayed bone healing, fracture, nerve or blood vessel injury, blood clots, over or under correction

• May eventually need a knee replacement later in life

• Not suitable if arthritis affects both sides of the knee