Chronic knee pain caused by arthritis, cartilage damage, bowlegged alignment, knock-knee deformities, or kneecap tracking problems can significantly impact your ability to stay active. For younger and active patients who are not ideal candidates for knee replacement surgery, a knee osteotomy may help relieve pain, restore proper alignment, and preserve the natural knee joint. Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel provides advanced knee osteotomy and re-alignment procedures for patients throughout Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Barrington, McHenry, Huntley, DeKalb, and Beloit.
As a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Van Thiel specializes in joint preservation techniques designed to correct the underlying cause of knee pain. Through comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment planning, he helps patients improve knee function, reduce pressure on damaged cartilage, and delay or avoid joint replacement whenever possible.
What is a re-alignment procedure and how can a knee osteotomy provide relief?
A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure performed in men and women who have arthritic damage or cartilage injuries in just one area of the knee. The term “osteotomy” literally means “bone cutting,” and in a knee osteotomy surgery, a portion of the thigh bone (femur) or the shin bone (tibia) is cut to allow a wedge-shaped piece of bone to be removed or inserted. By “reshaping” the leg bones, a knee osteotomy relieves pressure in specific areas of the knee joint, reducing pain symptoms and delaying the need for a total knee joint replacement.
Why is a knee osteotomy performed?
The ends of the femur and tibia are covered in a slick layer of cartilage that helps the joint move freely and prevents wear and tear that can cause friction, pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis occurs when this slick layer becomes damaged, usually from wear and tear, but sometimes from trauma. Sometimes, the wear on the joint surfaces develops unevenly, and only portions of the joint are affected. Over time, damage in these areas decreases the space between the tibia and femur, resulting in a bowed leg shape that creates localized areas of friction and cartilage damage. Osteotomy helps straighten the bow by removing a wedge-shaped piece of bone in a specific portion of the leg bone.
Most knee osteotomies are performed on the tibia to correct a “bowlegged” defect that places a lot of uneven stress and strain on specific areas of the knee joint. However, osteotomies can also be performed on the thigh bone to correct uneven joint strain and pressure in people who are “knock-kneed.” High tibial osteotomy removes a wedge-shaped portion of the shin bone, straightening the leg, restoring a more normal joint space and relieving pressure on the knee joint. Realignment enables the joint to distribute weight more evenly so painful symptoms are relieved and wear and tear are reduced.
In patients that have either mal-tracking of the knee cap or a cartilage defect in the front compartment of the knee, a different type of osteotomy is performed. This procedure is called an anteriomedialization tibial tubercle transfer or AMZ for short. The surgery is performed on the tibial tubercle, a bony elevation located below the kneecap (patella) where the patellar tendon attaches that connects the kneecap and the tibia. The tibial tubercle is moved into a position that improves knee function and decreases pressure on the cartilage. The approach used in your procedure will be determined by a comprehensive physical exam of your knee, diagnostic imaging results, and a review of your symptoms, your medical history and your lifestyle.
What happens during a knee osteotomy procedure?
The steps used in your osteotomy will vary depending on the approach and whether your surgery is being performed on the tibia or the femur. Some procedures are performed on an outpatient basis while others require a one-night hospital stay. During most procedures, an incision is made and a wedge of bone is removed. Then the bone ends are brought together and secured using surgical plates and screws. In other procedures, a wedge of bone taken from your pelvis or from a donor may be added to your leg bone to help straighten it. AMZ procedures use a different approach to alter the way your kneecap fits and moves when the knee is flexed and bent.
Once your surgery is complete, you’ll need to use crutches and sometimes a brace for a few weeks while the bone heals and “knits” together, and you’ll have physical therapy for several months to strengthen your thigh muscles and restore flexibility and range of motion in your knee. In most cases, you can expect to resume your normal activities within three to six months.
Am I a good candidate for knee osteotomy surgery?
Knee osteotomy can be a good option for active, younger patients (typically those under age 60) with osteoarthritis damage or cartilage problems restricted to one specific portion of the joint and who may be considered too young for a total knee replacement. Most patients who have knee osteotomies have symptoms that are brought on or exacerbated by activity or by prolonged periods of standing, and they should be able to bend the knee 90 degrees and fully extend the joint.
Start relieving knee pain today.
Knee pain is one of the most common orthopedic complaints among both men and women, especially athletes and others who lead physically active lives. Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel is skilled in knee osteotomy procedures and other techniques aimed at addressing the underlying cause of knee pain, helping patients from the greater Chicago region get back to their active lives. Take the first step toward relieving your painful knee symptoms.
Call OrthoIllinois at and schedule a consultation with Dr. Van Thiel today.
Why Choose Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel for Knee Osteotomy in Rockford, Elgin & Northern Illinois?
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine specialist
- Extensive experience in knee preservation and re-alignment procedures
- Expertise in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and tibial tubercle osteotomy techniques
- Advanced treatment for cartilage injuries, arthritis, and patellar maltracking
- Personalized surgical plans tailored to each patient's anatomy and goals
- Comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery programs
- Dedicated to preserving natural knee function and long-term mobility
Knee Osteotomy FAQs
What is a knee osteotomy?
A knee osteotomy is a joint-preserving procedure that reshapes the femur or tibia to redistribute weight more evenly across the knee and reduce pressure on damaged areas.
Who is a candidate for knee osteotomy?
Knee osteotomy is often recommended for active patients under 60 with arthritis or cartilage damage limited to one area of the knee who want to delay knee replacement surgery.
What conditions can a knee osteotomy treat?
The procedure may help address bowlegged alignment, knock-knee deformities, cartilage defects, early arthritis, patellar maltracking, and certain kneecap disorders.
What is an AMZ (Anteromedialization Tibial Tubercle Transfer)?
AMZ is a specialized osteotomy procedure used to improve kneecap tracking and reduce pressure on damaged cartilage in the patellofemoral joint.
How long is recovery after knee osteotomy surgery?
Most patients require crutches and physical therapy during recovery, with many returning to normal activities within three to six months depending on the procedure performed.
Schedule a Knee Preservation Consultation in Rockford, Elgin & Surrounding Communities
If knee pain, cartilage damage, or joint malalignment is affecting your quality of life, early intervention may help preserve your natural knee and improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel provides advanced knee osteotomy and re-alignment procedures for patients throughout Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Barrington, McHenry, Huntley, DeKalb, and Beloit.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether knee osteotomy or re-alignment surgery can help relieve pain, restore function, and keep you active for years to come.
