KNEE ARTHRITIS - Changing the forces through the joint :

Closed wedge HTO - - Posted by JessToni (JessToni), 21 April 2004

Hello,

I am scheduled to have a closed wedge HTO in May in order to relieve my medial compartment from some weight.
I was told by my OS that my leg will look slightly different after the surgery because of the change in alignment.  He said it would be a slight difference in appearance that you would notice only if I was standing and you were looking directly at my knees.  I was wondering if anyone could tell me how their leg looked after having this procedure.  

Also I was told I would be in a brace for six weeks after the surgery.  In asking all my questions i forgot to ask what kind of brace and how bulky it will be.  I am sure different docs use different braces, but if anyone has had a brace after this operation I would love to hear about it.

Thanks so much!

Jess
Posted by lam651 (lam651), 21 April 2004

I believe the closed wedge is where they take a piece of bone out, isn't it? I've had three of these so you'd think I would be more familiar with some of the terms by now.

The brace your OS, if it is like the one I had, was something that velcroed around the shin below the knee until I could be weight bearing on it. The doctor said I could take it off when I was sitting if I wanted. It really wasn't too big of a deal compared to not being able to put any more than balancing weight on it.

I think the are a number of ways that different OSs do this procedure so your doctor may have something different in mind.

I hope your doctor is experienced in doing HTOs. My first OS screwed up my leg for life. I'm not trying to scare you I just want to help you not get burned like me. The OS I have now does 150-200 HTOs a year. I'm still having problems, but it isn't his fault. Good luck, Larry
Posted by JessToni (JessToni), 22 April 2004

Larry,

Thanks so much for your reply.  The closed wedge is the procedure where he will take a piece of bone out.  My incision will be on the lateral side of my knee and internal fixation with plates and screws.

My OS is very experienced in doing this procedure.  My original OS actually referred me to this guy knowing I would need a procedure like this so I feel comfortable with him.

Thanks again for your help.  Any other advice or tips you may have would be appreciated!

Jess

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