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How to Repair Bowleggedness

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Published on Monday, 29 June 2009 01:43

Written by Vic Goradia, M.D.

By Vic Goradia, M.D

A high tibial osteotomy is a procedure that is used to straighten the lower leg. It is performed when the weight of the body, from the hip to the ankle, passes through the inside part of the knee (commonly referred to as bowlegged)

• There is arthritis on the inner part of the knee, called the medial compartment


• There is a loss of cartilage in the medial compartment of the knee and new cartilage has to be inserted there


• There is a loss of the medial meniscus and a new meniscus has to be inserted


• Certain ligaments on the outside of the knee are loose

During this procedure, the leg bone is cut and then wedged open with a piece of bone that is held in place with a metal plate and screws. This additional piece of bone can be taken from your hip or from a cadaveric donor. After surgery you will be in a brace and will not be allowed to put weight on your leg or foot for at least six weeks. Once the bone heals you will be permitted to place weight on the leg. Physical therapy will be needed for two to three months to restore muscle strength and motion in the knee.