Knee Osteotomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Knee Osteotomy?
An orthopedic surgeon usually performs a knee osteotomy. This is a doctor who specializes in surgery of bones and joints. Your primary care doctor may suspect the problem first and refer you. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A knee osteotomy is an operation in which a surgeon cuts and reshapes a bone in your lower or upper leg. The goal is to shift your body weight onto the healthier part of the knee joint, easing pain from arthritis when the damage is limited to one side of the knee.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors usually suggest this surgery for younger, active people with arthritis on only one side of the knee. It can relieve pain while keeping your own knee joint instead of replacing it.
How to prepare
- Ask which medicines, such as blood thinners, to stop before surgery and when.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and help for the first few days.
- Do the exercises your care team recommends, since stronger legs often recover more easily.
- Prepare your home for moving around with crutches or a walker.
- Follow your surgeon's instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
What happens during it
You will get anesthesia so you stay asleep and feel no pain. The surgeon cuts the tibia (shin bone) or femur (thigh bone), then removes or adds a small wedge of bone, held in place with a plate and screws. The surgery usually takes one to two hours.
Recovery
Most people stay in the hospital for one or two nights. You will use crutches or a walker for several weeks and may need a brace. Physical therapy starts soon after surgery. Full recovery often takes three to six months, sometimes up to a year.
Risks and side effects
As with any surgery, there are risks of infection, blood clots, and bleeding. Some people have numbness, poor bone healing, or nerve or blood vessel damage. Your surgeon will explain how to lower these risks.
Who performs it
Orthopedic surgeons perform knee osteotomies, and many have extra training in knee surgery. Not every surgeon does this operation often, so it is reasonable to ask how many they perform each year.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance. A concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can manage knee pain from arthritis, order X rays, and refer you to an orthopedic surgeon when surgery looks likely.
Common questions
Will I still need knee replacement after an osteotomy?
Some people delay knee replacement for many years, and some never need one. Others do go on to need a replacement. Your age, activity level, and arthritis all play a role.
How painful is knee osteotomy recovery?
Pain is normal for the first days and weeks. Your care team will give you medicine and other ways to manage it. Tell your team if your pain is not controlled.
When can I drive after knee osteotomy?
Most people cannot drive for several weeks. It depends on which leg was operated on and whether you take pain medicine. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe.
Can I play sports after a knee osteotomy?
Many people return to low impact activities like swimming or cycling. High impact sports may be harder on the knee. Talk with your surgeon about your goals.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Osteotomy of the knee
- MedlinePlus - Tibial osteotomy - series-Aftercare: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
