Osteotomy
Introduction
In an osteotomy of the hip, the doctor cuts away bone to change the way the
bones fit together in the joint. He may cut away damaged bone and tissue
from the ball part of the joint (the femoral head) or the socket part of the
joint (the acetabulum). By changing the bones’ position, the doctor hopes to
shift the brunt of your weight from damaged joint surfaces to healthier
cartilage.
Hip osteotomy may be used to relieve pressure on
cartilage damaged by arthritis,
injury, avascular necrosis, or
Legg-Calve-Pethes (LCP) disease in young children.
How the Procedure is Done
This operation is done under anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes hold, the surgeon will make an incision to expose the joint, then cut away portions of the femur or acetabulum, allowing the bone to be shifted slightly. He will then insert a metal plate or nail to keep the bone in place.
What To Expect Afterwards
You’ll probably be in the hospital for several days.
Full
recovery from an osteotomy takes 6 to 12 months. Many people have good
results from an osteotomy.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee
that your symptoms will improve. The pain may get worse and your hip
function may continue to deteriorate. As a result, you may eventually need
additional surgery, such as a total hip replacement.
Risk and Complications
Although complications are rare, there’s a small chance of infection or blood clots. There is also a very low risk of the bone not healing properly, a nerve or artery being cut during surgery, or poor skin healing.
