Making sure the patient is a good candidate for surgery is important to help ensure a good outcome.
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Typically the best candidates for knee osteotomy surgery:
- Have mild to moderate arthritis affecting only one side of the knee and little to no damage on the other side
- Are relatively young (40 to 60 years of age)
- Are not overweight
- Have good knee mobility
- Have significant arthritis pain that is brought on by activity or standing for an extended period of time
- Want to stay physically active and are willing to commit to a long post-surgical physical therapy regimen
- Are able to use crutches and limit weight bearing for 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery
People who elect to have osteotomy surgery tend to be physically active individuals who are motivated to stay active.
Other Surgical Options
Another surgical option for one-sided knee joint degeneration is partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. A partial knee replacement replaces just one side, or “compartment,” of the knee, and leaves the good side intact. (A total knee replacement replaces both the medial and lateral compartments, and often the knee cap surface.)
Learn about the different types of Knee Surgery for Arthritis
Occasionally, an osteotomy is done in conjunction with a partial or total knee replacement. A patient and orthopedic surgeon should discuss which, if any, surgery would provide the most pain relief and long-term benefit.
