Anyone had High Tibial Osteotomy?

[FletchersMum]

I’m 51, have osteoarthritis in both knees, left knee bone on bone in medial area and “severely varus” (bow legged). I limp and can’t walk far. Consultant has recommended an osteotomy (HTO). I would rather have a partial knee replacement but he’s saying because of varus it would wear out in same way as my own knee and also would leave me with more limited range of motion that he only recommends for people in their 70s.

The recovery from Osteotomy sounds very painful and long. I have two disabled children who rely on me. I wondered if anyone had had this procedure and can give me any insight into the recovery and how you feel it went for you overall?

Anyone? I don’t know anyone who’s had one.. hoping someone can share their experience?

As you have not had any replies I can explain my experience - similar gait issues to you and told that I need a femoral osteotomy after a failed hip reshaping and knee and hip arthritis made worse by pelvis and gait.

After many scans and a MDT meeting with 3 surgeons I have been told I am too old for a FO to work as it is such major surgery (I am late 50s) and that hip and knee replacements won't fix the problem as the gait issues will mean they probably won't stay in place.

I can see why you are worried about the severity and impact of the osteotomy surgery but I wonder if you leave it if they will be willing to do the surgery later on?

I had the benefit of a specialist ortho hospital and team meetings so I wonder if you would benefit from a second opinion? I think with these types of issues it is hard choices. For example, my physio thinks I should have the osteotomy as I can't walk anyway.

Hope you can organise another appointment to get to the bottom of what the surgery will gain you and for you to work out if the recommended surgery is right for you.

Hi there, thanks so much for replying to me. I am in a kind of twilight zone where I am considered too young at 51 for a total knee replacement, even though it could correct my gait. So I’m being offered High Tibial Osteotomy as an interim measure. I’m on NHS although the surgery will be at Epsom specialist knee and hip centre which I believe is good.. I’m sorry you have so many issues going on and hope you find a solution, thank you so much to for taking the time to reply and for your advice.