Recovering from Knee Osteotomy

Your recovery from an osteotomy will begin the first day after your operation. Immediate physical therapy intervention allows for optimal recovery of one’s range of motion and quad re-activation. Subsequent phases of post-operative rehabilitation are strategically outlined to enhance recovery and prevent future injury. Immediately following surgery, you will be non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks, as the osteotomy site needs to heal before weight can be applied to the operative leg. Compliance with the non-weightbearing recommendation is critical in overall success from the surgery.

Recovery from an osteotomy takes an average of 6-9 months including full rehabilitation to restore range of motion, strengthen the muscles, restore balance, and recover full function. Furthermore, injury prevention after completing the rehabilitation remains of utmost importance to prevent subsequent injuries.

What are the complications of untreated knee malalignment?

Untreated knee malalignment can lead to various complications, affecting both the structure and function of the knee joint. Some potential complications include:

• Osteoarthritis: Chronic knee malalignment can result in abnormal wear and tear on the joint surfaces. Over time, this increased stress on the articular cartilage can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition characterized by pain, inflammation, and reduced joint mobility.
• Meniscal Tears: Malalignment may predispose the knee to uneven distribution of forces, potentially increasing the risk of meniscal tears. The menisci are cartilage structures that act as shock absorbers in the knee joint, and when subjected to abnormal forces, they can be prone to injury.
• Ligament Injuries: Malalignment can affect the stability of the knee joint, making it more susceptible to ligament injuries. For example, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are more common in individuals with certain types of knee malalignment.
• Cartilage Damage: The misalignment of the knee can lead to localized pressure on specific areas of the joint, causing focal damage to the articular cartilage. Cartilage lesions may result in pain, swelling, and further joint deterioration if not addressed.
• Gait Abnormalities: Individuals with untreated knee malalignment often develop compensatory gait patterns to minimize discomfort. These altered walking mechanics can, in turn, lead to additional stress on other joints, potentially causing pain and dysfunction in the hips, lower back, or other parts of the lower extremities.
• Functional Limitations: Chronic pain and instability associated with untreated knee malalignment can lead to reduced mobility and limitations in performing daily activities or participating in sports and recreational activities. The cumulative effects of complications such as pain, limited mobility, and the impact on daily activities can significantly reduce the overall quality of life for individuals with untreated knee malalignment.

If you suspect you have a knee malalignment or are experiencing knee pain, contact Dr. Chahla today to schedule a knee evaluation. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a sports medicine orthopedic complex knee surgeon in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in the treatment of complex knee and knee ligamentous injuries. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of sports medicine and is a pioneer in novel therapies, including malalignment of the knee. Dr. Chahla’s focus is on customized and personalized care to meet the needs of each of his patients. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.