Osteotomy is a widely used joint-preserving surgery that helps realign bones, reduce pain, and delay the need for joint replacement—especially in younger, active individuals. Since the procedure involves cutting and reshaping bones, recovery is gradual and happens in multiple stages. Understanding what an osteotomy is and how long healing takes can help patients prepare realistically for the journey ahead, explains Dr Karthi Gudaru, senior orthopaedic surgeon and specialist knee replacement surgeon in Hyderabad and Telangana for Osteotomy surgery.

What Is an Osteotomy?

Dr Karthik Gudaru, who is an MS (Orthopaedic) and Fellowship in Computer Assisted Navigation Joint Replacement (Germany), Fellowship in Knee and Hip Arthroplasty fellowship, (USA ) and HOD Orthopaedic Department, GreenMed Hospital, says that an osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which a bone is cut and repositioned to correct alignment, improve joint mechanics, and relieve pressure from damaged areas. It is commonly performed around the knee, hip, or spine, with High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) being one of the most frequently recommended techniques for patients who have early-stage arthritis on one side of the knee.

Instead of replacing the joint, the surgeon shifts the body’s weight to the healthier part of the joint. This not only reduces pain but also protects the remaining cartilage and can delay knee replacement surgery for many years. Osteotomy is generally suggested for younger patients, people with misaligned legs such as bow-legs or knock-knees, and individuals who want to maintain their active lifestyle without opting for an artificial joint.

How Long Does Osteotomy Recovery Take?

Recovery from osteotomy is not instant—it progresses in phases and can take anywhere between six months to a full year, depending on the patient’s age, bone quality, healing rate, and physical activity level.

First Few Weeks

The initial two weeks mainly focus on wound healing and pain control. Swelling, discomfort, and restricted movement are common. Patients usually depend on crutches, and weight-bearing is limited to protect the newly realigned bone. Stitches are removed around the second week, and the knee or operated area remains supported with a brace.

Weeks 3 to 6

During this period, gentle physiotherapy begins. The goal is to restore basic movement, reduce stiffness, and slowly build muscle strength. Patients may gradually start putting limited weight on the leg, depending on how the bone is healing. By the end of six weeks, X-rays usually show early signs of bone healing, which allows the surgeon to increase rehabilitation intensity......

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