High Tibial Osteotomy
A High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure used to treat early arthritis or joint damage on one side of the knee, often in younger, active patients who are not yet ready for a knee replacement.
🦵 What Is a High Tibial Osteotomy?
The procedure involves cutting and reshaping the upper part of the shinbone (tibia) to shift the body’s weight away from the damaged part of the knee and onto the healthier side.
It’s typically done for people who have:
Knee pain caused by arthritis or cartilage wear on the inner (medial) part of the knee
Bow-legged alignment (varus deformity)
Good range of motion and no severe arthritis in the entire joint
🛠️ How Is It Performed?
A wedge of bone is either added (opening wedge) or removed (closing wedge) near the top of the tibia.
This changes the alignment of the leg so that weight is distributed more evenly across the knee.
The bone is fixed in place with a plate and screws, and sometimes a bone graft is used to help healing.
🕒 Recovery
Hospital stay: 1–2 days
Crutches: Usually needed for 6–8 weeks while the bone heals
Physiotherapy: Begins soon after surgery to regain strength and movement
Return to activity: 3–6 months for low-impact activities, longer for full sports
🎯 Benefits
Relieves pain by offloading the damaged part of the knee
Preserves your natural joint, delaying or avoiding the need for a knee replacement
Ideal for younger, active patients who want to stay mobile
⚠️ Risks and Considerations
As with any bone surgery, risks include but are not limited to infection, delayed healing, fracture, damage to nerve or vessels, blood clots, or over/under correction.
It doesn’t cure arthritis but can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
