Osteotomy

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the cutting and reshaping of bone. It is often used to correct deformities and improve alignment in conditions such as osteoarthritis and congenital hip dysplasia.

History[edit | edit source]

The first recorded osteotomy was performed by Bernhard Heine, a German orthopedic surgeon, in 1830. Heine used a chisel and mallet to perform the procedure, which was revolutionary at the time.

Types of Osteotomy[edit | edit source]

There are several types of osteotomy, including:

High tibial osteotomy (HTO): This procedure is used to treat knee osteoarthritis by shifting the weight-bearing line to the healthier side of the knee.
Distal femoral osteotomy (DFO): This procedure is used to correct deformities of the lower femur.
Pelvic osteotomy: This procedure is used to correct hip dysplasia in children.
Mandibular osteotomy: This procedure is used to correct deformities of the jaw.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure for an osteotomy varies depending on the type of osteotomy being performed and the specific patient's condition. However, the general steps include:

The surgeon makes an incision over the area where the bone will be cut.
The bone is cut using a special saw or chisel.
The bone is reshaped and realigned.
The bone is held in place with screws, plates, or rods until it heals.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with osteotomy. These can include:

Infection
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Nonunion (the bone does not heal properly)
Malunion (the bone heals in the wrong position)

See Also[edit | edit source]

Osteotomy Resources
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