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Knee

Knee Malalignment Surgical Treatment

For patients suffering from malalignment of the knee who have failed conservative treatment, surgical intervention is a reasonable option to consider. To correct malalignment, Dr. Chahla will discuss the option of an osteotomy. An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping a bone. The goal of an osteotomy is to change the alignment or position of the bone to correct deformities, redistribute weight-bearing forces, preserve overall joint health, and improve joint function. The type of osteotomy performed will depend on the type of malalignment that the patient is suffering from. In addition to the osteotomy, Dr. Chahla will also perform a diagnostic knee arthroscopy to address any concomitant meniscal or cartilage injuries as well. See below for the most common types of osteotomies performed to correct varus and valgus malalignment of the knee.

A high tibial osteotomy involves cutting and repositioning the upper part of the tibia (shinbone) to address issues of knee malalignment, typically in the case of conditions like osteoarthritis or genu varum (bow-leggedness). This procedure is commonly performed to shift the weight-bearing load away from the medial compartment of the knee, thereby reducing pain and potentially slowing down the progression of arthritis. Prior to this procedure, Dr. Chahla will calculate the exact degree of correction and location of the osteotomy using x-ray images. During the procedure, Dr. Chahla will make a controlled cut (osteotomy) in the upper part of the tibia, reposition the tibia to correct the malalignment, fill the osteotomy site with bone chips to prevent collapse, and stabilize the osteotomy using a plate and screws. Following surgery, the patient will be strictly non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks.

A distal femoral osteotomy involves cutting and repositioning the lower part of the femur (thigh bone) to address issues of knee malalignment, typically in the case of conditions like osteoarthritis or genu valgum (knock-knees). This procedure is commonly performed to shift the weight-bearing load away from the lateral compartment of the knee, thereby reducing pain and potentially slowing down the progression of arthritis. Prior to this procedure, Dr. Chahla will calculate the exact degree of correction and location of the osteotomy using x-ray images. During the procedure, Dr. Chahla will make a controlled cut (osteotomy) in the lower part of the femur, reposition the femur to correct the malalignment, fill the osteotomy site with bone chips to prevent collapse, and stabilize the osteotomy using a plate and screws. Following surgery, the patient will be strictly non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks.

When knee malalignment causes persistent pain or leads to joint deterioration, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct alignment and restore function. Procedures such as knee osteotomy or partial knee replacement can help realign the joint, relieve symptoms, and prevent further damage. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a highly skilled orthopedic knee surgeon specializing in advanced surgical techniques for knee realignment. If non-surgical options have not provided sufficient relief, Dr. Chahla can determine the best surgical approach to help you regain mobility and improve knee stability. Contact his office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook to schedule a consultation and discuss your surgical treatment options.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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