Osteotomy for Knee Deformities (Bow Legs / Knock Knees) - Dr. Pranjal Kodkani
When knee deformities such as bow legs or knock knees affect your quality of life, it can cause both physical discomfort and emotional distress. Dr. Pranjal Kodkani, a renowned joint preservation surgeon, specializes in the treatment of knee deformities through osteotomy, a procedure designed to realign the knee and improve function. Whether you’re suffering from bow legs (genu varum) or knock knees (genu valgum), osteotomy can help restore proper alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility, all without the need for a full knee replacement.
What is Osteotomy for Knee Deformities?
Osteotomy is a surgical procedure used to correct knee deformities by realigning the bones. It is often recommended for patients who experience abnormal knee alignment, such as:
- Bow Legs (Genu Varum): In this condition, the legs curve outward, causing the knees to remain apart even when the ankles are together. This misalignment places extra stress on the inner part of the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and even early wear and tear of the cartilage.
- Knock Knees (Genu Valgum): Here, the knees touch or knock against each other while the ankles remain apart. This condition can lead to uneven pressure on the knee joints, causing pain, discomfort, and long-term joint damage.
Osteotomy involves reshaping or repositioning the bones around the knee to correct the abnormal alignment. It can be performed on the femur (thigh bone) or the tibia (shin bone), depending on the type of deformity. By making precise cuts in the bones and then realigning them, osteotomy can help restore proper function and alleviate pain caused by knee deformities.
Why Choose Osteotomy for Knee Deformities?
Osteotomy is an ideal treatment option for patients with knee deformities, particularly when the damage to the knee joint is not yet severe enough to require a knee replacement. The key benefits of osteotomy for bow legs or knock knees include:
- Restores Natural Alignment: The procedure helps to realign the bones, bringing the knee joint into a more natural and functional position, which relieves pressure from the damaged areas.
- Preserves the Knee Joint: Osteotomy preserves the patient’s natural knee joint, which is especially important for younger, active individuals who may not be ready for a total knee replacement. This treatment offers a more conservative approach to joint preservation.
- Reduces Pain and Discomfort: By realigning the bones and redistributing weight evenly across the joint, osteotomy can significantly reduce the pain and discomfort caused by abnormal knee alignment.
- Improves Function and Mobility: Once the knee is properly aligned, patients typically experience improved joint function and mobility, allowing them to return to daily activities and even sports, depending on their recovery.
- Delays the Need for Knee Replacement: For many patients, osteotomy can delay or even prevent the need for more invasive treatments, such as total knee replacement surgery.
The Osteotomy Procedure with Dr. Pranjal Kodkani
Dr. Pranjal Kodkani, with his expertise in arthroscopic surgery and joint preservation, employs advanced techniques to perform osteotomy with minimal invasiveness and maximum precision. Here’s what you can expect during the osteotomy procedure:
- Pre-Surgical Consultation: Dr. Kodkani begins by thoroughly evaluating your condition through a comprehensive examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans. This helps him determine the severity of your deformity and decide the best course of action.
- Surgical Approach: Depending on the specific deformity, Dr. Kodkani will either perform a femoral osteotomy (on the thigh bone) or a tibial osteotomy (on the shin bone). In some cases, a combination of both may be required. The procedure is performed with precision using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which means smaller incisions, reduced tissue damage, and faster recovery.
- Realignment of the Bones: During the procedure, Dr. Kodkani will make controlled cuts in the bone and carefully reposition it to achieve the correct alignment. The bones are then held in place using plates, screws, or other fixation devices to ensure stability during the healing process.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation: After the surgery, patients will be closely monitored to ensure proper healing. Physical therapy will play a key role in restoring mobility and strength to the knee. Dr. Kodkani provides personalized rehabilitation plans to help patients recover quickly and safely.
- Follow-up Care: Dr. Kodkani believes in providing continuous support throughout the recovery process. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to track progress, address any concerns, and ensure that the knee is healing properly.
Who is a Good Candidate for Osteotomy?
Osteotomy is typically recommended for:
- Younger patients who are experiencing knee deformities but have not yet developed severe arthritis or joint degeneration.
- Active individuals who wish to preserve their knee joint and avoid the need for knee replacement surgery.
- Patients with early signs of arthritis due to knee deformities, as osteotomy can help delay the progression of joint damage.
- Those with bow legs or knock knees that cause pain, instability, or difficulty performing daily activities.
Why Choose Dr. Pranjal Kodkani for Osteotomy?
Dr. Pranjal Kodkani is an eminent joint preservation surgeon with extensive experience in treating knee deformities, including bow legs and knock knees. His specialized training in arthroscopy and sports injury management makes him uniquely qualified to offer both conservative and advanced treatments.
Patients choose Dr. Kodkani because:
- Expertise in Joint Preservation: Dr. Kodkani’s focus is on preserving the natural knee joint, which ensures long-term health and function.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: His approach uses the latest, minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce pain, shorten recovery time, and minimize scarring.
- Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to post-surgery rehabilitation, Dr. Kodkani offers a patient-centered approach to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Successful Track Record: With a high success rate and numerous positive patient outcomes, Dr. Kodkani is known for delivering excellent results in joint preservation and knee deformity treatment.
Conclusion
If you suffer from knee deformities like bow legs or knock knees, osteotomy performed by Dr. Pranjal Kodkani can offer a life-changing solution. This procedure can help you regain proper alignment, alleviate pain, and preserve the function of your knee joint—providing a better quality of life. If you’re considering osteotomy or want to learn more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kodkani today.
