osteotie

An osteotie, also known as an osteotomy, is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and realigning bone to correct deformities, restore proper alignment, or adjust limb length. The bone is cut along planned planes, and the segment is repositioned to achieve a desired angular correction, then fixed with implants or external devices while the bone heals.

Common types include closing-wedge and opening-wedge osteotomies, which remove or add bone to achieve angular correction, respectively; dome osteotomies for complex three-dimensional deformities; and location-specific procedures such as high tibial osteotomy or distal femoral osteotomy. These techniques are used to change the loading axis of a limb or to correct malunions.

Indications include angular deformities around the knee (genu varum or genu valgum), tibial or femoral deformities from fractures or congenital conditions, limb-length discrepancies, repair of malunions, and joint-preserving procedures to delay arthroplasty in young patients.

Procedure and fixation: planning with radiographs or CT, sometimes computer-assisted planning; the bone is cut and repositioned, then stabilized with plates, screws, intramedullary nails, or external fixators. Postoperative care includes immobilization and progressive weight bearing with rehabilitation to restore strength and range of motion.

Outcomes and risks: many patients achieve improved alignment, function, and pain relief; success depends on precise planning and execution. Possible complications include nonunion or delayed union, infection, neurovascular injury, over- or under-correction, hardware problems, and the need for subsequent procedures.

Terminology: the term osteotie is used in several languages for this procedure; the English term is osteotomy.