HTO surgery, or High Tibial Osteotomy, is a surgical procedure that realigns the knee joint. This operation is primarily performed to address issues related to knee arthritis.
Understanding High Tibial Osteotomy
The goal of HTO surgery is to shift weight away from damaged areas of the knee joint. This can alleviate pain and improve functionality.
Who Benefits from HTO?
HTO surgery is particularly helpful for individuals who:
- Have knee arthritis, especially on one side of the knee.
- Are younger and more active and wish to delay or avoid a total knee replacement.
- Have a misalignment in their knee joint.
How Does HTO Work?
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the procedure:
- Bone Realignment: The surgeon makes an incision and cuts the tibia (shin bone) near the knee.
- Wedge Insertion: A small wedge of bone is either added or removed to realign the leg. This shifts the weight-bearing axis of the leg, reducing stress on the damaged side of the knee joint.
- Stabilization: The bone is then stabilized with plates and screws to allow it to heal in the new position.
Benefits of HTO Surgery
- Pain Relief: By reducing stress on the damaged joint, HTO surgery can provide significant pain relief.
- Joint Preservation: This surgery can delay or prevent the need for a partial or total knee replacement by preserving damaged joint tissue.
- Improved Function: Realigning the knee can improve mobility and make it easier to perform daily activities.
Example
Imagine someone with arthritis on the inner side of their knee. HTO surgery would realign the knee, shifting the body weight more towards the outer side, reducing stress on the arthritic area. According to provided reference, this can preserve joint tissue by preventing further damage.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Procedure Goal | Realign the knee joint to relieve pressure on damaged areas. |
| Main Benefit | Delay or prevent the need for knee replacement. |
| Targeted Issue | Knee arthritis, particularly in younger, active patients. |
| Mechanism | Surgical realignment of the tibia with bone wedge addition or removal. |
| Recovery | Requires time and physical therapy. |
