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Tibial osteotomy - series

Normal anatomy

For proper weight bearing, the leg joints are aligned so that weight is distributed evenly on the knee.

Indication

If osteoarthritis degenerates the inner portion of the knee, the leg may bow out.

Procedure

A wedge is removed from the tibia allowing the leg to be shifted slightly, which takes weight off the inside of the knee.

Aftercare

Screws or staples are used to hold the bone in place. The result is a slightly "knock kneed" appearance which allows the healthier outer knee to bear most of the weight.

Review Date: 7/28/2021  

Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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