Overview
Knee Preservation Surgery (Osteotomy) focuses on treating joint conditions while retaining the natural structure and function of the knee, especially in younger or active individuals. Unlike knee replacement, this approach aims to repair or regenerate damaged tissues to delay or prevent the need for major joint replacement.
At Sarvodaya Hospital, the Leading Orthopaedic Hospital in Faridabad, Delhi NCR, we offer a range of knee preserving procedures tailored to the patient’s condition, ensuring pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life without sacrificing the natural knee.
Why is Knee Preservation Surgery Required?
Knee Preservation Surgery (Osteotomy) is primarily recommended for young, active patients experiencing early-stage joint degeneration, focal cartilage damage, or meniscus injuries, where total knee replacement may not yet be necessary.
It is especially effective in cases like unicompartmental knee arthritis (limited to one side), cartilage defects from wear-and-tear, or previous ligament injuries like ACL tears.
Patients with meniscus deficiency or knee malalignment (varus or valgus deformities) also benefit from such procedures. This approach aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and prolong the lifespan of the natural knee, preserving mobility and preventing premature joint replacement.
Consulting the Top Orthopaedic Doctor in Faridabad can help determine whether this joint-preserving approach is right for your specific condition and activity level.
Knee Preservation Procedure
Knee Preservation Surgery begins with a comprehensive evaluation involving a clinical examination, weight-bearing X-rays, MRI scans, and gait analysis. This helps assess the condition of the cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, and overall knee alignment. Based on the diagnosis, different surgical techniques are used.
Osteotomy is performed to realign the knee joint and reduce pressure on damaged areas.
Cartilage restoration may involve microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral grafting to regenerate worn cartilage. Meniscus repair or transplantation is done when cushioning is compromised due to injury or previous removal. In cases with joint instability, ligament reconstruction such as ACL repair is added.
These are best handled by the best orthopaedics doctor in Delhi NCR, India, using minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and reduced tissue trauma.
Benefits of Knee Preservation Surgery
Knee Preservation Surgery is an advanced orthopaedic approach that focuses on saving the natural knee joint, particularly beneficial for younger or active individuals with early-stage damage. It not only addresses pain and instability but also enhances joint longevity with minimal surgical trauma.
- Delays or Prevents Knee Replacement: Helps maintain the natural joint, especially for younger patients, by treating damage early and avoiding total replacement.
- Preserves Natural Joint Function: Retains original ligaments, cartilage, and bone structure for more natural mobility and better knee mechanics.
- Improves Joint Alignment: Corrects deformities like bowlegs or knock-knees to distribute weight evenly across the joint.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Most procedures use arthroscopy or small incisions, resulting in reduced blood loss, lower pain, and faster recovery.
- Enhanced Long-Term Outcomes: When done at the right stage, it reduces pain, prevents further degeneration, and enables patients to stay active longer.
Post-treatment Lifestyle Modifications
Successful recovery after Knee Preservation Surgery requires proactive care and long-term lifestyle adjustments to protect the joint and maintain results.
- Gradual Physiotherapy: Begin structured physiotherapy sessions to regain strength, flexibility, and full range of motion in the knee.
- Weight Management: Keep body weight in check to reduce joint stress and prolong the benefits of the preservation procedure.
- Low-Impact Activities: Opt for exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking that are gentle on the knees; avoid high-impact sports or running.
- Use of Supportive Footwear: Wear orthopaedic or cushioned shoes to ensure proper alignment and reduce strain on the knee.
- Regular Follow-ups: Visit your orthopaedic team periodically to monitor healing, assess joint stability, and adapt rehabilitation plans as needed.
