Leg axis correction (also known as corrective osteotomy) is a surgical procedure for bowlegs and knock-knees. Leg axis correction is intended to prevent and delay premature cartilage damage and joint arthrosis. The patient can leave the clinic about 5 days after the leg axis correction.
Find more information and specialists for leg axis correction here.
The most common malalignment of the leg axis is the so-called bow leg. The reason for bow legs is a misalignment of the tibia. The cartilage on the inside of the knee joint or the inner meniscus can also be worn down. Patients with bow legs usually feel pain on the inside of the knee joint.
With knock knees, on the other hand, the outer joint area is overloaded.
In addition to bow legs and knock knees, there are other bone deformities in the thigh and lower leg (torsional deformities). In the long term, these lead to pain and wear and tear of the joint cartilage.
A misalignment of the leg axis usually only becomes noticeable in adulthood. The doctor will consider correcting the leg axis if the pain does not improve despite conservative treatment.
Conservative therapy includes
Patients up to the age of 60 whose leg axis shows a high degree of deviation benefit from a leg axis correction.
Untreated knock knees or bow legs can lead to osteoarthritis in the long term @ TarikVision/ AdobeStock
During the initial examination, the doctor determines the type and degree of deformity in order to choose the best surgical method. The whole leg x-ray (x-ray of the entire leg) plays a decisive role here.
During leg axis correction, the surgeon cuts through the bone and then connects it with a plate. The bone then grows back together in the correct position.
Which method is used and where the doctor cuts the bone depends on the type of deformity:
The patient can leave the clinic again after around three to five days. As a rule, the patient uses crutches for six weeks. During the entire period, targeted physiotherapy helps to maintain mobility.
The duration of rehabilitation varies from patient to patient. As a rule, however, patients are able to walk shorter distances without crutches no later than six weeks after the operation.
In order to regain full mobility, patients should attend regular physiotherapy sessions for around three months.
The doctor removes the titanium plates around 12 to 18 months after the operation. If necessary, the surgeon will also perform an arthroscopy (joint endoscopy) to examine the cartilage. If necessary, he will treat any areas of cartilage that have not healed completely.
During the healing period, the patient should attend regular check-ups . Over time, the leg will regain its full weight-bearing capacity. If you have a job that does not involve physical strain, you can return to it soon after the operation. In the case of occupations involving physical strain, the patient returns to work after around 12 weeks.
As with any operation, there is a risk of infection or thrombosis developing during leg axis correction. Very rarely, vessels and nerves may be damaged.
There is also a risk of the bone healing incorrectly. For example, if the fracture gap does not close completely(pseudoarthrosis).
Leg axis correction is not recommended for heavy smokers or significantly overweight patients.
In general, it can be said that the procedure is very safe and there are no complications.
Statistics show that people who have undergone leg axis correction also require a joint replacement (joint prosthesis) in the long term. However, the procedure can delay this by around 10 years.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
