Why would someone need to have a knock knee surgery?
Common indications of knock knee surgery include:
What conditions can a knock knee surgery treat?
Knock Knee Surgery treats painful mobility due to arthritis or injury, knee damage, and knee deformities.
Different Types of Knock Knee Surgery
There are two main types of surgeries commonly used to correct knock knees: osteotomy and arthroplasty.
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Osteotomy: Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and resetting the bone to correct the alignment. In the case of knock knees, this procedure aims to correct the inward angulation of the legs by removing a small wedge of bone from the tibia (shinbone) or femur (thighbone) and then realigning the bones. This realignment helps restore the proper alignment of the lower extremities, alleviating symptoms and improving functionality.
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Arthroplasty: Arthroplasty is a more involved surgical procedure involving replacing the affected joint with an artificial one. In the context of knock knees, this surgery may be considered when there is severe joint damage or deformity that can't be adequately addressed through osteotomy alone. Arthroplasty is a less commonly used surgical approach for knocking knees, and its indication may depend on the individual's specific condition and the severity of joint involvement.
Requirements & Evaluation: Knock Knee surgery
The following are some requirements while planning knock knee surgery:
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Severity of Knock Knee: The degree of Knock Knee deformity is evaluated to determine if surgery is necessary. Generally, patients with moderate to severe knock knees that cause functional problems or pain are considered candidates for surgery.
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Age: The patient's age is an important consideration. Knock knee surgery is commonly performed on children and adolescents whose bones are still growing, as it can help correct the alignment before skeletal maturity. However, the procedure can also be performed on adults if the deformity is causing significant issues.
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Growth Plate Assessment: In younger patients, an evaluation of the growth plates is done to determine the remaining growth potential and the timing of the surgery. The growth plates need to be open or have some growth potential for the corrective procedure to be effective.
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Patient Symptoms and Functional Limitations: The patient's symptoms, such as pain, difficulty walking, and functional limitations, are evaluated to determine the impact of the deformity on their daily activities and quality of life. This helps in assessing the potential benefits of surgery.
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Patient Expectations and Goals: The surgeon will have a thorough discussion with the patient regarding their expectations and goals for the surgery. Open communication is essential to ensure that the patient understands the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure.
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Surgeon Expertise: It's important to choose a surgeon who has experience and expertise in performing knock knee surgeries. The surgeon's expertise and familiarity with different surgical techniques can greatly impact the success and outcomes of the procedure.
Knock Knee Surgery Procedure
Anesthesia: Before the surgery, the patient is placed under anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions near the knee joint to access the bones and perform the necessary adjustments.
Bone Reshaping: The surgeon removes a small wedge of bone from either the tibia (shinbone) or femur (thighbone) to correct the alignment. The extent of bone removal will depend on the severity of the deformity and the desired correction.
Realignment: Once the bone wedge is removed, the surgeon realigns the bones carefully to achieve the desired correction and improve the alignment of the legs.
Fixation: To ensure the bones stay in their new position, the surgeon may use screws, plates, or other devices to hold the bones together during the healing process. These fixation devices provide stability and support to the bones as they heal.
What type of follow-up care will I do during recovery?
Take medications on time and take regular follow-ups. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle and in case of any discomfort, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Risk & Benefits
Risk: Infection, blood clots, nerve damage, poor wound healing, and allergic reactions are possible risks of knock knee surgery.
Benefits: Improved leg alignment, reduced pain and discomfort, increased functionality, improved self-esteem, and a better quality of life are potential benefits of knock knee surgery.
Recovery
Recovery time depends upon many factors including the patient's general health, disease severity, type of implant used, type of surgery, and post-operative care. The patients usually recover within 4-6 weeks of knock knee surgery.
